Vineyard Wind Offshore Wind Project Gets Technical Development Manager

Vineyard Wind, an offshore wind energy developer vying to build the first utility-scale project off the coast of Massachusetts, has hired Jack Arruda to serve as Technical Development Manager for the company.

As Technical Development Manager, Arruda will lead the local technical development of the proposed Vineyard Wind project and oversee issues such as grid interconnection, on-shore route permitting and cable installation, and managing the development and use of the port facilities for both construction and operation of the project.

He will be working closely with the project’s Fisheries’ representative Jim Kendall, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Port of New Bedford and the Harbor Master, and other town and state officials.

“Jack brings a tremendous depth of technical experience, as well as local knowledge, to Vineyard Wind – exactly what we need to ensure the project is built on time and on budget, and all the while being a good neighbor with the many people who live and work on the South Coast and the waters offshore,” said Erich Stephens, CEO of Vineyard Wind.

“We’re thrilled to have someone with Jack’s background join our team as his local experience and knowledge be essential for a successful project and adds to the level of expertise on our team.”

Vineyard Wind is one of three companies that has acquired lease rights to build wind projects off the coast of Massachusetts. Vineyard Wind’s project area is about 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard.

Last summer, Massachusetts required utilities to procure 1,600 megawatts (MW) of clean, offshore wind energy within the next decade.

A lifelong resident of Dartmouth, Mass., and a graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a degree in Marine Engineering, Arruda has more than 25 years of experience operating and managing energy projects, including the involvement in the design and planning around the proposed Cape Wind energy project.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Vineyard Wind,” said Arruda.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for me given my background in the power generation field and having been in the maritime industry earlier in my career. I’m excited about this project. I think offshore wind will play a key role in the energy future of our region, and it’s going to bring tremendous opportunity to the South Coast area.”

Vineyard Wind is portfolio company of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and Avangrid Renewables, based in New Bedford, Mass.