Global Renewables Alliance names GWEC CEO as chairman

Outgoing chair Julia Souder will be vice-chair and a member of the steering committee.

Global Wind Energy Council CEO Ben Backwell has been named as the new chairman of the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) under a two-year term.

In a statement, GWEC said Backwell’s focus this year will be ensuring countries deliver strong renewable energy targets in their Nationally Determined Contributions, and COP 30 sets the world on a path to delivering on those ambitions.

“To meet the tripling goal, governments must set ambitious, specific and actionable national clean energy plans and back them up with supporting regulation to reignite investor confidence. The private sector stands ready to work with policymakers to speed up implementation and deliver action to meet government ambition,” Backwell said.

He will replace Julia Souder, CEO of the Long Duration Energy Storage Council. She will continue to provide guidance as vice-chair and a member of the steering committee.