James van Laar

About James van Laar

I lead large-scale energy and infrastructure programs from concept through execution while serving as a trusted advisor to utilities, developers, and private equity investors. With more than 30 years of experience across thermal generation, renewables, data centers, hydrogen, and microgrids, I bring a unique blend of EPC delivery expertise and consulting insight that helps organizations reduce risk, accelerate timelines, and capture long-term value. Career Highlights • Directed and advised on more than $10 billion in capital programs, including thermal repowering, low-carbon fuels, solar, wind, and storage • Delivered Tier 4 reliability solutions and over MW of greenfield solar projects, advancing grid resilience and clean energy transition goals • Closed M&A transactions for both thermal and renewable assets, supporting portfolio growth and investment-grade due diligence • Negotiated EPC and O&M agreements that improved performance, lowered cost exposure, and secured contractor accountability • Founded and scaled a global consulting practice to 80 professionals then expanded across 13 offices, providing due diligence, feasibility studies, and strategic growth support for utilities, IPPs, and investors • Built and led multidisciplinary and cross-border teams, creating Stage-Gate frameworks, PMO systems, and best practices that ensured transparency and consistent results at Board and Investment Committee levels I am recognized for aligning project execution with strategic advisory, enabling clients and organizations to make confident investment decisions while achieving operational excellence. Now focused on VP and SVP opportunities where I can apply this expertise to scale capital programs, guide energy transition initiatives, and strengthen organizational performance in the U.S. and global markets.

Experience

1. Vice President of Engineering and Project Management

   JERA Americas

   Feb 2023 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   Produced Tier 4 reliability power supply designs with integrated BESS and microgrid capabilities for data centers and grid-connected assets• Developed repowering strategies for thermal plants and led FEL design on low-carbon fuel projects valued at more than $8 billion• Closed M&A transactions on thermal and renewable (solar and wind) assets; developed more than MW of greenfield solar projects• Negotiated EPC and LTSA agreements and optimized procurement of turbines, inverters, BESS, and EPC services• Created and institutionalized Stage-Gate, PMO processes, and Engineering Best Practices for investment-grade governance• Provided advisory support to utilities, developers, and private equity investors on project feasibility, permitting pathways, due diligence, and portfolio growth

Education

• University of Michigan

  Bachelor of Science - BS

• University of Michigan

  Master of Engineering - MEng

Skills

• Pipelines
• Materials
• Petroleum
• Team Leadership
• Construction
• Oil
• Engineering Management
• Boilers
• Epc
• Water
• Natural Gas
• Proposal Leadership
• Process Control
• Factory
• Contract Management
• Executive Management
• Project Estimation
• Engineering
• Gas
• Project Control
• Renewable Energy
• Project Management
• Oil & Gas
• Mechanical Engineering
• Process Engineering
• Power Generation
• Oil
• Coal
• Piping
• Refinery
• Global Business Development
• Commissioning
• Pumps
• Procurement
• Power Plants
• Petrochemical
• Energy
• Energy Industry
• Project Engineering
• Oil/Gas