DNV appoints Armita Mohammadian as Country Manager US to strengthen CVA services for offshore wind

Why are CVA services important for the reliable growth of offshore wind in the US? Armita Mohammadian, DNV’s new Country Manager for Renewables Certification in the US reflects on latest developments for risk mitigation in a rapidly developing market.

The US has one of the most ambitious clean energy goals worldwide. Offshore wind in the US is growing, and the region projected to build around 30 GW of capacity by 2050. The combination of offshore wind’s enormous energy potential and requirements for new energy sources due to aging energy generation facilities sets the scene for a rapid development of the industry in the United States.  

This growth requires extended risk management via Certified Verification Agents (CVA). DNV is the most experienced CVA in the US, certifying the first ever BOEM approved Facility Design Report (FDR) and Fabrication and Installation Report (FIR) for Cape Wind, as well as certifying the first successful commercially operating wind farm in Federal Waters, the CVOW Pilot. 

For 125 years, DNV has had a strong presence across the US with offices spanning the east and west coasts. To further strengthen its position in providing CVA services for risk management in offshore wind, Armita Mohammadian has been appointed as Country Manager US for Renewables Certification. Armita has a strong background in leading multi-disciplinary teams providing industry leading technologies and expertise to critical infrastructure. She has more than 13 years of experience as a structural engineer and technical project manager working with US government agencies (BOEM, BSEE, DOI, DOT, DWR), international infrastructure owners, and wind energy OEMs.  

“In 2023, we will see the US market transitioning from demonstration to commercialization with the first two commercial-scale projects, Vineyard Wind and South Fork Wind where DNV is serving as CVA for both projects,“explains Armita. The US presents some challenges such as environmental conditions and Hurricanes, technology complexity, supply chain shortage, and grid reliability. Therefore, risk management services from experienced CVA’s like DNV are crucial for the success of offshore wind in the US. Our experience and lessons learned globally show that these challenges are manageable with proper risk management. We are happy to support the US government and our customers in de-risking offshore wind farms with our CVA services.” 

Armita is taking over the position from David Maloney, who is now Director of offshore cable certification at DNV. 

Development of well proven CVA concept to fit offshore wind  

The offshore wind industry is under constant innovation and optimization pressure from the rapid and continuing increase in turbine and support structure size. For the CVA, this requires the ability to adapt to novel concepts and approaches if these can be demonstrated to deliver the intended safety level. DNV has been part of this evolution over the last three decades and has demonstrated the ability to adapt along with the industry and authorities, and to lead innovation. 

DNV’s US offices are supported by DNV’s Renewables Certifications global team including a strong European base, which provides experience from CVA-like activities performed for most offshore wind farms under operation and at various stages of completion, around the world today. To further meet the growing local offshore wind needs, DNV is expanding its capacity for certification in the US looking for enthusiastic and motivated wind experts with strong engineering skills and a customer-oriented mindset. Find out more here.