Louisiana
Louisiana is poised to be a leader of offshore wind in the Southeast. The shallow Gulf of Mexico waters and steady winds off the coast are ideal for turbine installation and operation. Louisiana boasts the largest port system in the Western hemisphere and an existing maritime infrastructure with experience in offshore installations. Both state and federal opportunities for offshore wind are on the horizon in Louisiana.
The process for offshore wind development begins much like oil and gas. Developers bid on predetermined lease areas to win the rights to place turbines and develop the area. In October 2022, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management finalized two Wind Energy Areas in the Gulf of Mexico. These areas are slated to be up for bid in Summer 2023. Louisiana is also currently developing regulations for offshore wind leases in state waters, which are 3 miles or less from shore.
