Tristan Grimbert of EDF Renewable Energy elected to chair AWEA board as WINDPOWER 2017 launches in Anaheim

“As we return to California, birthplace of utility-scale wind power, we’re bringing a brand new attitude,” said Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA. “Big brand names are stampeding to buy wind to supply their stores and factories. With a stable national policy in place, and critical power line infrastructure on the way, we’re delivering on our promises to keep cutting costs. Wind is on track to supply 10 percent of U.S. electricity by the end of the decade.”

Kiernan hailed wind’s emergence this year as America’s No. 1 renewable energy resource in generating capacity. In the first quarter, the U.S. industry installed a new turbine every 2.4 hours on average.

“Thanks to strong leadership in states like California, wind remains on the path to grow, create more jobs, and supply even more homes and businesses,” said Kiernan.

California will soon receive 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources thanks to a state law passed in 2015, and wind power will continue to play a significant role in the California energy supply, locking in additional consumer savings by 2030. State Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León will keynote on Tuesday and describe an even more ambitious goal to reach 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.

“With WINDPOWER’s homecoming to California, the birthplace of American renewable energy, we are thrilled to showcase the industry's growth and innovation,” said Danielle Mills, Director of AWEA’s California Caucus. “Wind will continue to be a key piece of California’s energy economy. Senator de León's role as keynote demonstrates California's commitment to creating new jobs and building a reliable, affordable and clean energy future.”

WINDPOWER attendees will sample the industry’s latest technology at over 400 exhibitor booths. They’ll benefit from discussions at a variety of Education Stations throughout the show floor, including the Power Station, Tech Station, Operations Station, Project Development Station, and Thought Leader Theater. Visitors and the media can learn more and plan their visit by downloading the WINDPOWER app.

New AWEA Leadership

Tristan Grimbert, President and CEO, EDF Renewable Energy, today succeeds Chris Brown, President of Vestas Americas, as the Chair of AWEA’s Board. Also elected today were Chair-Elect Steve Lockard, President and CEO of TPI Composites; Treasurer Ray Wood, Managing Director-Head of Global Power & Renewables, Bank of America Merrill Lynch; and Secretary Doug Fredrickson, Vice President at Blattner Energy, Inc.

Newly elected to the Board are Carole Barbeau, President, Energy Advisory - Region Americas, DNV GL; Buzz Miller, President and CEO, Southern Power; and Susan Nickey, Managing Director, Hannon Armstrong. Added as one-year special advisors are Brian Janous, Director of Energy Strategy, Microsoft; and Rob Threlkeld, Global Manager of Renewable Energy, General Motors.