Ben Backwell, the CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), has been appointed as the Chair of the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) for a two-year term.
Ben Backwell is recognized as a leader and changemaker in the renewable energy sector, having been a driving force behind the establishment of the GRA.
At COP27 in 2023, Ben Backwell led the first steering committee meeting of what would become the Alliance, emphasizing the need for collaboration across renewable energy technologies. By COP28 in 2024, the GRA, under his influence, played a critical role in securing a global agreement to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.
As Chair of the GRA, Ben Backwell aims to ensure countries set strong renewable energy targets in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and to influence COP30 to build on these commitments. He advocates for renewables as the most scalable and cost-effective solution to meet growing energy demands and reduce carbon emissions, highlighting the economic, social, and environmental benefits of accelerating the energy transition. He emphasizes the need for governments to implement ambitious, actionable clean energy plans, supported by regulatory reforms, to restore investor confidence and unlock significant growth opportunities in the sector.
Ben Backwell’s leadership comes at a pivotal time for the renewable energy industry. Achieving the goal of tripling renewable capacity and reaching net zero requires unprecedented collaboration between governments, the private sector, and global institutions. Key priorities under his guidance include scaling supply chains, addressing permitting challenges, and reforming financial systems to attract investment. He is also committed to countering misinformation about renewables and maintaining a clear focus on their transformative benefits.
Bruce Douglas, CEO of the GRA, praised Ben Backwell’s appointment, describing him as a visionary leader whose efforts have been instrumental in shaping the Alliance and advancing the global energy transition.
Outgoing Chair Julia Souder, who played a significant role in the Alliance’s early successes, will continue as Vice-Chair and a member of the steering committee, providing continuity and support as Ben Backwell leads the GRA into its next phase of impact.
GreentechLead.com News Desk