Louisiana Poised to Lead on Offshore Wind Supply Chain

Louisiana can leverage its strong energy expertise to expand its leadership in the supply chain for U.S. offshore wind development, according to a study by Greater New Orleans Inc., the Center for Planning Excellence, the Southeastern Wind Coalition, Xodus Group, and The Pew Charitable Trusts. The state is primed to provide the parts, people, and practical knowledge this multibillion-dollar-and-growing industry urgently needs.

Economic potential of offshore wind in Louisiana

• 3,700 more jobs by 2031 in shipbuilding, manufacturing, installation and commissioning, and operations and maintenance.
• 450-plus businesses poised to support the industrial supply chain.

Louisiana’s energy leadership in offshore wind

• 15-plus companies already supplying goods and services.
• 60,000 workers already in adjacent industries.
• 175-plus companies with oil and gas expertise to leverage.

How Louisiana can seize offshore wind opportunities

• Tap into federal funding and incentives.
• Strengthen state business networks to capture large export opportunities.
• Invest in workers and job sites with supply chain potential.
• Upgrade its ports and supporting shipbuilding to meet current and future demand.
• Build offshore wind into an inclusive, lucrative energy portfolio and state economic strategy.
• Assemble a coalition of in-state partners to maximize prospects (government, higher education networks, economic development organizations, and grant-funded innovation clusters).

Endnotes

1. Xodus Group et al., “Louisiana Offshore Wind Supply Chain Assessment,” 2024, https://www.pewtrusts.org/-/media/assets/2024/06/
   louisiana-osw-suppy-chain-assessment-study-report.pdf.