It has been my enormous privilege to serve on the WindEurope Board for the last two years; two years which have been some of the most volatile in both European energy markets and the wider political landscape. WindEurope’s leadership through this volatility has delivered significant outcomes for the sector, notably the Wind Power Package, Non-Price Factors in auctions, building a clear programme for workforce development, to name just a few highlights, demonstrate the skill, insight and capacity that the WindEurope team has. I know from the inside just how powerful effective advocacy can be.
In my motivational statement two years ago, I pledged to be a powerful voice for the supply chain, especially given my background in industrial development in one Europe’s great OEMs. The work of RenewableUK, our team of 70 talented and committed experts, with the backing of our almost 500 member companies, has been laser-focused on building a market environment which is sustainable and recognises the value of wind energy, not just the cost.
As a result of our programme of work, and following the auction round results in 2023, where prices had not kept pace with inflation and therefore produced no new offshore projects, we have secured a 66% increase in auction pricing for offshore wind and a quadrupling of auction budgets for 2024, a budget we are pushing to be increased even further. That means the UK’s offshore, onshore and floating sectors will see growth this year and the years ahead.
Crucially, following WindEurope’s lead, we have secured Non-Price Factors in the UK CfD scheme and tied them to our landmark Industrial Growth Plan which sets a clear pathway to build a globally competitive and differentiated supply chain in the UK, focused on advanced technologies and as an integral part of the wider European supply chain.
Our WindEurope Board election takes place in the context of a General Election in the UK. Polls indicate a change of Government is likely, and the opposition Labour Party has set out bold ambitions for renewables. If we see a step-change in the transition to net zero following the election, RenewableUK will need to play a crucial role working with Government on delivery. My team and I have the expertise and energy to push the renewables sector even further, ensuring sustainable long-term value for developers, suppliers and consumers.
Whatever the result of the UK election, the next government will shape the UK’s wider energy relationship with the EU. We know there are things that need to be addressed after the Brexit. With political will, shaping cross-border trading, CBAM, hybrid interconnection, and other topics, through a refreshed approach to collaboration could benefit the entire sector, particularly companies operating across the EU and UK markets. I am keen to promote this spirit of collaboration and lead the sector into an era of sustained growth, together with Giles and the team for many years to come.
With the support of WindEurope’s members, I aspire to continue bringing my wide-ranging international experience in the energy sector, building on my nearly two decades with Siemens in the UK, Denmark and Spain, coupled with my insights and leadership in one of Europe’s crucial renewables markets, to the WindEurope Board.
I believe that our industry is on the right track, and I hope you will support me in the WindEurope Board election so we can continue the work of building a Europe powered by renewables.