The economic outlook for offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Mexico is getting rosier, with as many as 17,500 jobs likely to be created if two wind farms take shape off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, reports NOLA.com.
A new report by the American Clean Power Association estimates a pair of offshore wind projects would create between 7,300 and 14,700 jobs during a likely three-year construction period and up to 2,800 permanent positions associated with operations and maintenance.
“The (report) further validates the economic opportunity for south Louisiana in offshore wind,” says Michael Hecht, CEO of the economic development organization Greater New Orleans Inc.
Because the Port of Houston has space limitations and is already congested with ship traffic, Hecht believes Louisiana ports, including New Orleans, Avondale and Port Fourchon, “are perfectly positioned to attract the lion’s share of the wind operations in the Gulf of Mexico.” Read the entire story.
