Avangrid has been appointed to lead operations and management of the 800MW Vineyard Wind 1 offshore development off the coast of Massachusetts, US.
It will take responsibility for the facility once construction is complete and commercial operations begin, including turbine, cable and substation maintenance, coordination of contractors, 24/7 control centre services, trading, and assets management.
The wind farm is expected to begin commercial operations in 2024.
Vineyard is being developed as a joint venture between the Iberdrola subsidiary and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).
Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra said: “We are proud to pioneer the offshore wind industry in the US and by leveraging the global experience of the Iberdrola group and a skilled and talented local workforce, we are well positioned to maximise the operation and performance of the historic, nation-leading Vineyard Wind 1 project.
“Offshore wind represents a tremendous opportunity to advance the US’ ambitious climate goals, and the completion and successful operation of Vineyard Wind 1 will lay the groundwork for the continued growth of the industry in the decades to come, including Avangrid’s robust 4.9GW project pipeline.”
The company said it will hire approximately 20 technically qualified employees, including key roles that will receive intensive training overseas through Iberdrola’s operational offshore wind farms in the UK and Europe, helping to prepare them to knowledgeably operate the US facility.