New Orleans - Xavier University of Louisiana, engrained deeply in its local and vibrant city of New Orleans, is proud to be a collaborator in the Gulf Louisiana Offshore Wind initiative, or GLOW, Propeller, an LSU-led consortium that was recently announced as one of only 31 designated Tech Hubs positioned to breathe new life into American manufacturing, generate jobs, and fortify the nation’s economic and national security within a decade. The announcement was made by President Joe Biden and the Economic Development Administration (EDA).

GLOW Propeller will support talent and technology development for offshore wind energy production in Louisiana, bolstering the state’s leadership role in traditional and emerging renewable energy production.

Xavier University’s role within LSU’s GLOW Propeller consortium will have far-reaching effects, including a resurgence in American manufacturing with a reenergized workforce. The LSU GLOW Propeller goes beyond economic growth; it also ensures America’s national security by reducing dependence on foreign manufacturing. With its decades of commitment to excellence and cutting-edge research, Xavier is ready to embark on this new chapter in its history alongside its partners.

“The Xavier community is thrilled to collaborate with the consortium members of the newly announced Tech Hub [of GLOW, Propeller] that will work together to develop offshore wind energy production in Louisiana,” said Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. “Xavier has served the Gulf Coast region for nearly a century, seeking a more just and humane society for all, and the designation of this Tech Hub further propels the university’s commitment to cooperating with our partners to develop energy independence and security for a better, more sustainable future.”

The GLOW Propeller consortium’s efforts build on Louisiana’s generational expertise, resources and assets in energy production, leveraging some of the nation’s most extensive legacy energy infrastructure with thousands of miles of pipeline and one of the world’s largest maritime systems with 32 ports.

“For nearly a century, Louisiana has been at the forefront of our nation’s domestic offshore energy production,” Governor John Bel Edwards said. “By helping universities, companies and technical colleges in Louisiana develop critical offshore wind technology and know-how, this program will help Louisiana stay a leader for the next century. I would like to thank the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, as well as Rep. Troy Carter, Sen. Bill Cassidy and President Biden for their support of the CHIPS and Science Act that makes this important work possible.”

The Tech Hubs program received nearly 400 total applications by 197 consortium applicants, and EDA’s selection of LSU’s GLOW Propeller recognizes LSU and Louisiana’s potential to drive energy innovation and be an impactful global leader in offshore wind technology development by building on and reimagining established assets and resources.

“LSU’s Scholarship First agenda recognizes Louisiana’s pivotal role in research and talent development within the ever-evolving energy industry,” LSU President William F. Tate IV said. “This highly competitive U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration award affirms that collaborations between LSU, higher education partners and industry leaders further bolster our capacity and accelerate our novel approach to driving talent and technology advancements in emerging energy sectors.”

The GLOW Propeller consortium brings together public and private partners, including five universities (LSU, Southern, Tulane, UNO and Xavier), two community colleges (Delgado and Nunez), industry stakeholders (Gulf Wind Technologies, RWE and Sev1Tech), as well as Greater New Orleans, Inc., the Water Institute of the Gulf, Louisiana Department of Economic Development, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, City of New Orleans and Port Fourchon, the nation’s leading offshore energy port located in Lafourche Parish.

Xavier has been a pillar of excellence in education, community engagement, and innovation. By joining forces with LSU’s GLOW Propeller and all the parties involved, Xavier brings a wealth of expertise, resources, and a deep commitment to driving positive change. Xavier University is proud to be part of the LSU GLOW Propeller consortium and is excited about the potential to drive lasting, positive change in the community and beyond. Together, the partners look forward to shaping a brighter, more prosperous future.