The oil giant Shell has recently moved to expand it influence in the green energy sector by joining the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) as a board level member. The move will bring Shell closer to an industry it is investing heavily in around the world.
Shell’s involvement in the GWEC was welcomed by the group’s GEO Ben Backwell by saying:
“We are delighted to have Shell join GWEC’s Board. 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 wind industry across the world.”
Shell’s New Leadership Role in Offshore Wind
In addition to Shell’s involvement in GWEC, the company aims to speed the growth of offshore wind in new markets around the world. By 2022, it is expected that the global capacity of the wind industry will grow to 841 GW, up from 549 GW in December 2017.
Dorine Bosman, VP of wind development at Shell said they are pleased to join GWEC to help accelerate the development of offshore wind, and important part of Shell’s growing New Energies portfolio.
Increasing Global Capacity of Wind Power
Over the last 16 years, global capacity for wind power has increased from 6.1 GW to 283 GW in 2012. In 2017, the global capacity with offshore wind power is up to 549 GW, and expected to grow to over 841 GW in 2022. That’s an increase of 13687% in 26 years!
Offshore wind power will be a large portion of the green energy infrastructure of the future. With investments and involvement from other big oil companies such as BP, Chevron, and Exxon, wind power and other sustainable energy sources will be a future that we can all live to see.
The tipping point for wind power is near, perhaps with the involvement and investment of Shell, other big oil companies will follow suit and join in the movement.
[via Business Green]
