The Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX) recently hosted the Louisiana-Germany Offshore Wind Connections Study Tour, an impactful journey through Germany’s offshore wind industry designed to advance Louisiana's Offshore Wind Roadmap. From September 23-26, a diverse delegation of Louisiana officials, industry experts, and stakeholders traveled together to Berlin and Hamburg, exploring how Germany’s innovations in renewable energy can provide essential insights for Louisiana’s future in offshore wind development.

The tour began with hands-on training at RelyOn Nutec, a global leader in offshore safety and technical training, where participants gained firsthand experience with safety protocols and technical skills essential for offshore wind workers. This was followed by an informative visit to the Fraunhofer Institute, where research on advanced wind energy systems and hydrogen integration offered insights into the technological possibilities for Louisiana’s own offshore wind initiatives.

The delegation then attended the renowned 2024 WindEnergy Hamburg Expo, a global hub for wind energy innovation, which included presentations from leading experts. Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis highlighted the state's readiness to support the renewable energy supply chain, underscoring Louisiana’s potential as a leader in offshore wind.

Supported by German organizations Adelphi and the Renewables Academy (RENAC), the Louisiana delegation included key representatives such as Senators Mike Reese, Patrick McMath, and Franklin Foil; Commissioner Davante Lewis; Lafourche Parish President Archie Chiasson; and James Martin, CEO of Gulf Wind Technology. Throughout the tour, the delegation engaged in vital discussions with top agencies, including Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency. These conversations emphasized the importance of regulatory stability and streamlined permitting to attract investment and support Louisiana’s offshore wind ambitions.

The delegation also gained a unique perspective on the logistics and infrastructure required for offshore wind at the Port of Hamburg, where participants saw how robust energy infrastructure underpins Germany’s offshore wind success. This tour marks a pivotal step in Louisiana’s efforts to build a sustainable, forward-looking offshore wind industry, equipping leaders with the insights needed to turn the Louisiana Offshore Wind Roadmap into reality.

As Camille Manning Broome, President & CEO of CPEX, noted, "Offshore wind represents a significant opportunity for Louisiana to diversify its energy economy, create jobs, and ensure a resilient future." The lessons learned from this tour equip Louisiana’s leaders with the tools and knowledge to advance policies that promote sustainable energy growth and economic diversification.

Thank you to the estimated delegation that joined us for this trip:

  • Senator Mike Reese, Senator, Louisiana State Senate

  • Senator Patrick McMath, Senator, Louisiana State Senate

  • Commissioner Davante Lewis, Commissioner, Louisiana Public Service Commision

  • Blake Canfield, Executive Counsel, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources

  • Camille Manning Broome, President & CEO, Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX)

  • Senator Mark Abraham, Senator, Louisiana State Senate

  • Senator Franklin Foil, Senator, Louisiana State Senate

  • Meg Bankston, Executive Director, Parishes Advocating for Coastal Endurance (PACE)

  • Preston Castille, Jr., President, Helix Community Schools

  • Archie Chiasson, Lafourche Parish President, Lafourche Parish

  • Carlos Giron, Vice President of Growth and Sales, Jacobs Engineering

  • Katherine Kollins, President, Southeastern Wind Coalition

  • Charles Nelson, Chairman, Waldemar S. Nelson and Company, Inc.

  • Jenny Netherton, Senior Program Manager, Southeastern Wind Coalition

  • James Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Wind Technology

  • Cameron Poole, Energy & Innovation Manager, GNO Inc.

  • Ashley Shelton, Executive Director, Power Coalition

  • Joe Tirone, Partner, Jones Walker LLP

  • Stacy Ortego, Campaign Manager Offshore Wind, National Wildlife Federation

  • Jeff Keever, Government Affairs Representative, T. Parker Host