UK-based oil and gas company Shell has announced that it plans to invest $10m to establish a research, training and technology demonstration hub in Jefferson Parish, which is located in the US state of Louisiana.

The move comes following a joint-venture deal with Gulf Wind Technology, a US-based wind turbine rotor technology specialist.

The facility will create 30 jobs and stand as a hub for offshore wind energy development as the companies work to design the first suite of products optimised for conditions in the Gulf of Mexico. The first turbine is scheduled to be ready for demonstration as early as 2024. The investment will also include an offshore wind workforce education and training programme.