In September, the Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX) led a study tour in Germany, gathering two cohorts of Louisiana’s business, energy, and policy leaders for a deep dive into Germany’s offshore wind industry. Over the course of four days, our Louisiana delegation explored one of the world’s most innovative renewable energy ecosystems, experiencing firsthand the technology, safety, and policy frameworks driving Germany’s success in offshore wind.
Key Takeaways: A Vision of What’s Possible for Louisiana
The Louisiana-Germany Offshore Wind Connections Study Tour, held September 23-26, 2024, in Berlin and Hamburg, provided a transformative perspective on what Louisiana and the United States could achieve by tapping into offshore wind. It was clear to all of us who participated that the potential for offshore wind in Louisiana is immense—not only as a renewable energy source but as a catalyst for economic diversification, job creation, and environmental resilience.
Throughout the trip, we engaged in rich learning experiences beginning with safety and technical training at RelyOn Nutec, where participants saw firsthand the standards that ensure offshore wind workers are prepared for the physical and technical demands of the industry. This hands-on experience underscored the importance of a strong workforce equipped with the skills necessary to meet the demands of offshore wind development.
Our visit to the Fraunhofer Institute gave us an up-close look at cutting-edge research in wind energy systems and hydrogen integration. Germany’s advancements in these areas reveal pathways Louisiana could take to lead in renewable energy innovation, potentially harnessing offshore wind to produce green hydrogen and further diversify our energy economy.
The 2024 WindEnergy Hamburg Expo was a particularly impactful experience. Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis had the opportunity to speak on the “Offshore Wind in the United States” panel. Commissioner Lewis highlighted Louisiana’s readiness to contribute to and benefit from the global supply chain for renewable energy. The Expo demonstrated the scale of global investment in this industry available to Louisiana, should we choose to take advantage of it.
Why Trips Like This Matter: Building Momentum for Offshore Wind in Louisiana
Study tours like this one are essential for aligning our state’s leaders on the vision and steps required to advance offshore wind energy in Louisiana. Meeting with organizations like Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, our delegation could understand the importance of streamlined permitting and stable regulatory frameworks—crucial components for investor confidence and successful offshore wind projects.
This tour also highlighted the critical role of infrastructure in supporting offshore wind. The Helwin WindPark tour and the Port of Hamburg visit demonstrated the complex logistics and facilities that underpin Germany’s wind industry. For Louisiana, developing similar infrastructure will be key to fully realizing the potential of our offshore wind resources. Our state has a natural advantage due to its deep-water ports and expertise in maritime industries. By adapting and building on this foundation, Louisiana can become a leader in offshore wind.
Opportunities Ahead: Louisiana’s Path to a Resilient Future
Offshore wind represents a historic opportunity for Louisiana to diversify its energy economy, create high-quality jobs, and ensure a resilient future. Our visit to Germany has armed us with insights and inspiration to shape policies that promote sustainable energy growth and economic diversification.
With support from the state’s leadership, local officials, and private-sector partners, we are now better equipped than ever to lead Louisiana into a new era of renewable energy. We can foster an environment where businesses, communities, and policymakers collaborate to make offshore wind a cornerstone of Louisiana’s energy portfolio.
In the coming months, CPEX will be working with our partners across the state to turn these learnings into actionable strategies. This work will not be easy. Despite Louisiana’s strong potential—our workforce readiness, established maritime industry, and abundant natural resources—offshore wind development cannot advance without policies that provide predictability and support market development. Unlocking this opportunity requires a clear route to market through a renewable energy standard and streamlined, transparent permitting processes. Louisiana now stands at a pivotal moment: decisive policy action will determine whether offshore wind can become a reality, positioning our state for a resilient and prosperous future.
As we continue to engage our communities, leaders, and stakeholders, we look forward to building on the momentum of this study tour, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future for Louisiana and generations to come. PowerUp Louisiana is a platform created by The Center for Planning Excellence where government officials, state legislators, experts and stakeholders, nonprofit organizations, and coalitions come together to advance discussions on clean energy opportunities for Louisiana through informed policy and decision making. Learn more at www.cpex.org/powerup