Eddie O’Connor, the founder and CEO of Mainstream Renewable Power, has been appointed as the Global Wind Energy Council’s (GWEC) new Global Ambassador.
In his new role, O’Connor will work with GWEC to ensure that the wind sector’s voice is heard, and that more and more countries understand the benefits that the industry can bring for their economic and social development, GWEC said in a statement.
“The wind industry has gained unprecedented momentum across the globe, particularly in emerging markets, driven by the fact that wind power is now cheaper than fossil fuels,” O’Connor said.
“I am honoured to have been asked by the Global Wind Energy Council to be its global ambassador at such an exciting time for the wind power industry.”
O’Connor founded Mainstream in 2008 following ten years as chief executive of global renewable energy company Airtricity which he founded in 1997. Airtricity North America was subsequently sold in 2008 to E.on and the remainder of the business sold to Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE).
O’Connor, one of the founders of the Friends of the Supergrid non-profit organisation, has been named World Energy Policy Leader by Scientific American magazine. He was presented with the Leadership award at the annual Ernst & Young Global Renewable Energy Awards and, in March 2013, received the Poul La Cour from the European Wind Energy Association (now WindEurope) in recognition of his work in the sector. .
Steve Sawyer, Secretary-General for the Global Wind Energy Council, said: “Eddie’s work building the wind industry throughout his career and his current role at the helm of Mainstream Renewable Power has made him an obvious choice as Global Ambassador for GWEC. As an organisation, we are delighted to be working with a true pioneer in creating the next wave of growth for the industry.”