Windpower Monthly
WORLDWIDE: Following his tenth anniversary as secretary-general of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Steve Sawyer reflects on the progress wind power has made and its hopes and expectations for the future in conversation with David Weston.
Steve Sawyer, secretary-general of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), celebrated a decade at the head of the industry's overarching trade body in April.
Following the publication of GWEC's 2016 Annual Market Update at Windergy India, he spoke to Windpower Monthly about the report's findings and analysis, and the transformation of the wind power industry during his ten years at the top.
Was 2016 better or worse than expected?
I think surprisingly positive in a number of small European markets. The fact that Europe was essentially flat in an off-year for installations for offshore was a bit of a positive surprise.
The US was strong — as we expected; Canada and Mexico were down and Brazil, of course, is having its difficulties.
In South Africa, I certainly hoped the standoff with Eskom would have been resolved long before now. We are collateral damage in a much larger struggle over the future of the ANC and the future of South Africa.
