BWEA becomes RenewableUK

The name and logo change was overwhelmingly approved by the association’s membership at their annual AGM last week. It follows a growth in membership for the BWEA from renewable sectors other than wind, including tidal and wave, over the past five years. The BWEA said the new name would make it  "more instantly recognised, more memorable and stronger in terms of identity and perceived purpose".

“This development is essential and will aid us in implementing our vision to be the voice of authority for the renewable power sector and a credible source of information and knowledge for our members, the industry, Government, media and the public," said Adam Bruce, BWEA chairman and global head of Corporate Affairs at Mainstream Renewable Power.

The change of name means the BWEA will now have a name that more closely resembles that of the Renewable Energy Association (REA), which has 600 members and also promotes sustainable energy in the UK. The BWEA has 544 corporate members, and under its new name, says its primary purpose is "to promote the use of renewable power in and around the UK, both onshore and offshore."

The two trade associations had reportedly talked about merging, but those negotiations are understood to have floundered. A spokesperson for the BWEA would not confirm whether or not the two groups might yet merge.

Maria McCaffery, BWEA chief executive, said the association had taken "a number of important steps" in the run up to the name change, including expanding its policy, communications and events teams in line with growth and diversification of its membership base, and moving its offices to Westminster.

The BWEA formed in 1978 as a trade and professional body for the UK’s growing wind industry. It began representing companies from the wave and tidal energy sectors, five years ago.

The BWEA says that the timetable for the full implementation of the new branding will be completed by March 2010.