By Michelle Froese | October 23, 2018 Shell announced that it has joined the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) as a board-level member. The move comes as Shell expands its wind business as part of the Shell New Energies Strategy. GWEC is a member-based organization that represents the entire wind-power sector. Shell joins members from more than 1,500 companies, organizations and institutions in more than 80 countries In addition, Shell is taking part in GWEC’s Offshore Taskforce, which brings together leading industry actors to accelerate the development of offshore wind in new global markets. “We are delighted to have Shell join GWEC’s board,” said Ben Backwell, CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council. “Shell’s experience across energy markets in many geographies and deep knowledge of technology development and engineering will bring a valuable new perspective to our work in accelerating the growth of the wind industry across the world.” The announcement was made during China Wind Power, China’s largest energy show, which brings together over 20,000 people active in the wind power sector in Beijing. Dorine Bosman, VP Shell Wind Development, said: “We are pleased to join GWEC and their Offshore Taskforce to help accelerate the development of offshore wind, an important part of Shell’s growing New Energies portfolio. We look forward to working with Ben and his team and the other GWEC members.” GWEC expects the wind industry to grow to accumulated installed capacity of 841GW in 2022, from 539 GW at the end of 2017.
Shell has become a member of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), joining the organisation at board level. GWEC represents the global wind-power sector. The company is also working with its partners to develop and commercialise wind energy in developing countries. Shell is in the process of growing its wind operations, as part of its Shell New Energies Strategy.