COMPANY BEHIND AMERICA’S FIRST COMMERCIAL-SCALE WIND FARM OPENS HUB FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS
(Eureka, CA) – Vineyard Offshore, America’s leading offshore wind development company, yesterday held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of its first West Coast office, located in downtown Eureka, California. The move reinforces the company’s commitment to the region and underscores its dedication to local partnerships and community engagement.
“California is the next wave in offshore wind. From our new home base in northern California, we will launch the next generation of wind energy,” said Vineyard Offshore CEO Lars T. Pedersen. “We are committed to a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with Humboldt County, one that brings good paying jobs and affordable, reliable energy to residents, and also helps California reach their bold commitment to 100% clean energy.”
Known for its expertise in offshore wind energy development, Vineyard Offshore is excited to bring its community-centered approach to the West Coast. Created by the team behind the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, the team brings a history of close collaboration with community partners, a practice that enabled Vineyard Wind to succeed as a vehicle for economic investment and workforce development in Massachusetts.
“We are excited to welcome Vineyard Offshore and are looking forward to sustainable energy and good relationships as we move forward. Welcome!” said Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel.
Through funds administered by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), Vineyard Offshore acquired an offshore wind lease area off the coast of Humboldt County in December 2022. The nearly 70,000-acre area is located 25 miles off the coast and has at least 2 gigawatts (GWs) of capacity. Through the development of floating offshore wind technology, Vineyard Offshore aims to generate clean, affordable and reliable energy to power 1 million homes.
“We are thrilled to open our office in Eureka and become long-term neighbors in Humboldt County,” said Erik Peckar, Director of External Affairs, West Coast at Vineyard Offshore. “Our commitment to the development of sustainable energy and community engagement aligns perfectly with the values of the residents here. We look forward to working closely with the people of Eureka and contributing to the region’s clean energy future.”
The new office will serve as a hub for project planning, community engagement and local partnerships, providing a central location for Vineyard Offshore to collaborate with stakeholders and drive forward a shared vision for a cleaner, greener future. By fostering collaborative relationships with residents, businesses, Tribal Nations, educational institutions, and local organizations, the company aims to create a positive impact that extends beyond clean energy production.
“We enthusiastically welcome Vineyard Offshore to Eureka and greater Humboldt County,” said Nancy Olson, President and CEO of the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce. “As a leader in an important emerging industry, Vineyard Offshore will bring to our community not only jobs and economic opportunities, but also a renewed sense of optimism. We look forward to partnering in the years ahead.”
“The County of Humboldt’s Economic Development team (GoHumCo) is excited to celebrate the opening of Vineyard Offshore’s new Eureka office,” said Humboldt County Economic Development Director Scott Adair. “This marks a significant milestone in our region’s economic growth as we move toward becoming a central hub for the pre-development of offshore wind. I am particularly excited to expand our collaborative efforts with Vineyard Offshore to further support a community-led effort to identify offshore wind’s potential benefits to successful, sustainable and equitable economic growth for residents and businesses across Humboldt County.”###
About Vineyard Offshore
Vineyard Offshore is leading the development of two lease areas in the Northeast, in addition to a recently acquired lease in Northern California, OCS-P 0562. Lease area OCS-A 522, known as Vineyard Northeast, is located off the coast of Massachusetts. OCS-A 544, known as Vineyard Mid-Atlantic and home to the Excelsior Wind Project, is located in the New York Bight. Combined with its joint venture development of the first-in-the-nation offshore wind project, Vineyard Wind, now under construction, Vineyard Offshore has the potential to develop more than 6 gigawatts of clean, renewable and affordable energy on the East and West Coasts of the United States. To learn more, visit: www.vineyardoffshore.com.
