Vestas and Orsted chiefs to lead WindEurope

Henrik Andersen, the CEO of Danish turbine making giant Vestas, has been elected as the new chair of industry body WindEurope, with new Orsted chief Rasmus Errboe becoming vice chair.

WindEurope’s board of directors today elected Henrik Andersen as the association’s new chair for an 18-month term.

WindEurope is the industry association representing more than 600 companies and 300,000 jobs from across the whole value chain of wind energy in Europe.

“We are in a defining moment for Europe’s future,” said Andersen. “We need an industry and an energy source that can deliver home-grown, secure and affordable energy, while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.”

“Wind energy can contribute to all of this, and now is the time for Europe to bolster its wind industry. The European Commission and member states have set high targets, but this momentum must translate ambition into implementation.”

Andersen replaces José Luis Blanco, the CEO of German turbine maker Nordex, in the role.

WindEurope board also elected Rasmus Errboe, the recently appointed CEO of Danish renewables giant Orsted, as its new vice-chair.

He replaces Alfredo Parres del Toro, head of renewables at Hitachi Energy.

“I’m honoured to be elected Vice-Chair of WindEurope at a time where wind power is needed more than ever to provide energy security, support Europe’s competitiveness, and mitigate climate change," said Errboe.

"But the industry is challenged by rising costs, risks and a lack of long-term visibility needed for investment in the supply chain and large infrastructure projects. I will make it top of my agenda to work closely with industry and policy-makers across Europe to address these challenges and ensure that wind energy delivers on Europe’s critical needs.”