Louisiana’s first wind turbine has arrived

Louisiana’s first wind turbine and its components have arrived at Avondale Global Gateway from Ireland.

Jeff Keever with Avondale says this turbine represents exciting new things for Louisiana that have already started even though the turbine isn’t up and running yet.

“There is a complete supply chain that already exists in Louisiana to accommodate the offshore wind industry in the United States, in particular the Gulf of Mexico,” he says.

The turbine will be installed by Gulf Wind Technology at the Port Fourchon Coastal Wetlands Park. Keever says once there, the turbine will do more than just provide renewable energy.

“It will collect data for improving the ability to serve and have successful offshore wind development in the Gulf of Mexico,” he explains.

Keever hopes this turbine is the first of many in the state. He says Louisiana is uniquely positioned to work with wind energy projects since so much of the workforce is already familiar with on- and offshore energy, adding, “It’s an ideal location to capitalize on what Louisiana has to offer to help bring this new industry to maturity in the United States.”

The turbine will be installed and tested early 2025.