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The World Renewables Alliance (GRA) has appointed Ben Backwell, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), as its new Chair. Backwell will guide the Alliance for a term of two years, focusing on 2025 to ensure that nations achieve strong renewable energy commitments in their Nationally Determined Contributions, and COP 30 steers the globe towards fulfilling these objectives.
Ben Backwell, Chair of the World Renewables Alliance, remarked: “Renewables represent the only affordable and clean energy that can be expanded in time to satisfy increasing demands and reduce carbon emissions. The economic, social, and ecological advantages become increasingly persuasive with each passing day. Government action at this moment is vital to unlock the trillions of dollars poised in growth opportunities.
“To accomplish the tripling objective, governments need to establish ambitious, specific, and actionable national clean energy strategies and support them with enabling legislation to restore investor trust. The private sector is ready to collaborate with policymakers to expedite implementation and execute actions that align with governmental ambitions.”
“In light of the growing misinformation regarding renewables, adhering to our mission is more critical than ever: accelerating the energy transition to realize its complete economic, social, and ecological advantages.”
It was Backwell’s vision for a consortium of the world’s renewable energy technologies that initiated the establishment of the World Renewables Alliance. In 2023, at COP27 in Egypt, Backwell facilitated the inaugural meeting of what is now the World Renewables Alliance steering committee, emphasizing the significance of unity and cooperation among the clean and secure renewable technologies that will support the assured green future our industries are striving for.
Just a year later, at COP28 in Dubai, the World Renewables Alliance played a pivotal role in achieving a historic tripling renewable goal. Collaborating with the COP Presidency and the International Renewable Energy Agency, the GRA contributed to securing the landmark agreement to triple renewables by 2030, unanimously endorsed by all nations within the UAE consensus.
Bruce Douglas, CEO of GRA, expressed enthusiasm over Ben Backwell’s appointment as Chair, underscoring his role as a co-founder and a driving force behind the GRA’s formation. Douglas also expressed gratitude to outgoing Chair Julia Souder for her vital contributions in achieving the tripling renewable energy target at COP28 and for shaping the GRA during its initial two years.
Ben Backwell assumes leadership at a crucial moment for the renewable sector. To realize the tripling objective and reach net-zero goals, it is essential for the world to witness unparalleled collaboration among the renewable sector, governments, and global institutions. Enhancing supply chains, resolving permitting obstacles, and reforming financing are all critical for the upcoming phase of renewable energy advancement. The leadership of Ben Backwell, a trailblazer in renewable energy, will be an immense asset for the World Renewables Alliance as it strives to implement transformative actions in these crucial domains.
Outgoing Chair, Julia Souder, CEO of the Long-Duration Energy Storage Council, has been instrumental to the Alliance’s early achievements. She will continue to provide guidance as Vice-Chair and a member of the steering committee.
“The World Renewables Alliance is a vital collaborative industry voice, and we are delighted to have Ben’s leadership as we move into our next phase of impact,” stated Julia Souder.
