Companies to build shore power installation for Gulf of Mexico coast

Energy company Entergy Louisiana and offshore vessel operator Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) have partnered to build the first utility-scale shore power installation at Louisiana’s Port Fourchon, which plays a role in providing nearly 20 percent of the nation’s oil supply.

Shore power is a beneficial electrification product developed by Entergy’s innovation department, KeyString Labs, to enable customers to reach their own sustainability goals by leveraging Entergy’s cleaner generation profile.

Entergy’s shore-powered service areas are estimated to potentially achieve as much as a 42 percent net reduction in carbon emissions, a 48% net reduction in sulfur oxides emissions and a 98% net reduction in nitrogen oxides emissions when comparing emissions rate of marine diesel oil versus Entergy’s at-the-plug emissions rate.

Rod West, utility group president for Entergy, said: “We are eager to partner with our customers to innovate and scale products and services that create benefits for our entire customer base and the communities we serve. […] shore power is evidence of our continued role to help our customers and communities flourish, just as we’ve done for the last century.”

Dino Chouest, EVP of ECO, added: “We’re proud to partner with Entergy Louisiana on what could become a model for ports across the world by adding value for customers and communities through significant emissions reductions. It’s a win for everyone.”

This initial installation extends Entergy’s local distribution system to simultaneously accommodate ten ECO marine vessels at port. ECO developed and deployed technology that allows marine vessels to seamlessly transition from fossil fuel-generated ship power to cleaner electric grid power.

Chett Chiasson, executive director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission which oversees Port Fourchon, said: “Port Fourchon is the most important offshore oil and gas service port in the country, and we are excited that Entergy Louisiana and ECO are partnering to keep us on the leading-edge.

“Economic growth and environmental sustainability are directly connected in Bayou Lafourche, and this shore power project is a shining example of taking care of our home so that it remains a desirable destination for suppliers and oil and gas operators.”

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