RWE has secured a partnership with Entergy to explore the Gulf of Mexico offshore wind market, according to a press release.
"The existing Gulf of Mexico oil and gas supply chain, workforce and port infrastructure represent unique advantages to a potential offshore wind hub," said Sam Eaton, CEO of RWE Offshore Holdings, LLC. "Working together with a local partner like Entergy can deepen our understanding of the next steps to strengthen these valuable assets and support a new, regional industry. RWE's early success acquiring two offshore wind lease areas in the U.S. has positioned us well to continue preparing future markets for a robust clean energy economy powered by offshore wind."
Under the terms of the MOU, RWE and Entergy will identify an optimal route-to-market for five key areas, including Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Texas. In correlation with the agreement, both companies have signed on to test the offshore wind’s ability to deliver clean energy to industrial customers in Texas and Louisiana.
The collaboration derived from RWE and Entergy’s common goal to increase renewable energy and invest in communities and general economic development. The areas it will prioritize include resource economics; transmission analysis to ensure reliability; economic impacts extending to direct and indirect job creation and curricula.
"Our customers continue to share with us that they are seeking clean energy solutions to help them reach their own sustainability goals," said Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana President and CEO. "This partnership serves as an important early step to potentially bringing wind power to our Louisiana shores and empowers us to help foster even greater economic growth in Louisiana."
The owner of a large-scale U.S. power generating fleet, Entergy serves nearly three million customers across four states. The company's existing renewable resources will triple over the next three years, with plans for as much as 17 GW of renewable capacity by the end of 2031. Entergy remains committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
"Entergy Texas is perfectly positioned to explore offshore wind development as Texas already leads the nation in electricity generated by wind energy," said Eliecer Viamontes, Entergy Texas president and CEO. "The state and our service area are growing at a rapid rate and this partnership with RWE will play a key role in evaluating a broader slate of clean resources that will sustain our robust pace of industrial growth and economic development in the decades to come."
A major renewable energy developer in the United States, RWE is credited with having an 8-gigawatt (GW) operating capacity and a project pipeline exceeding 24 GW of onshore wind, solar and battery storage. The company confirmed plans to expand its global offshore wind activities, with a focus on the U.S. market.