Hartnell to head up Renewable Energy Association

Hartnell, who was formerly director of Policy at the association, has worked at the REA since it was founded in 2001. She replaces Philip Wolfe.

Mark Candlish, chair of the REA’s board of directors, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Gaynor Hartnell as the association’s new chief executive. Gaynor has been key to the success of the association since it was founded in 2001, and in the last 10 months has proved herself the natural successor to Philip Wolfe in her interim role as Policy director. Not only does Gaynor have an excellent grasp of renewable policy issues, but she is also well respected by industry and Government and is an excellent champion for the industry.”

Hartnell said in her new role she would focus on building up the membership base of the REA.

“These are exciting times for the sector. This has to be the decade of delivery for renewables, the time when deployment ramps up tenfold,” she said. “New players will enter and transform the energy market, with the introduction of feed in tariffs this April. A year later we will finally have financial incentives operating across the whole spectrum of energy applications – power, transport fuels, heat and green gas. Renewables can then play a full role, with a diverse range of complementary technologies, which together bring wide-ranging benefits.”

Recent reports suggested the REA might merge with rival trade body the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA), though that now seems unlikely.

The REA will shortly move into larger offices near Waterloo Station in London. The association said this would facilitate the expansion of services needed to support the rapidly growing renewables industry with information services, proactive policy development, training and networking events.

The REA is the largest trade body for renewable energy in the UK with around 600 members. It represents all renewable energy technologies, including wind and wave energy, biomass, solar and anaerobic digestion, among others.

Paul Thompson will replace Hartnell as head of Policy.