SUCCESSFUL WOMEN IN WIND N INWIND
I also try to stay in touch with the Chief Executives of several other national trade associations in the energy sector, not just renewables, all focused on fostering collaboration and exploring ways in which we can work together more effectively on issues of mutual interest. I also engage with energy and environment correspondents from national newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters and online news outlets, to keep them up to date and to be available for comment on relevant issues. This is especially important in our work to explode myths and instil a much more accurate appreciation of the vital role that wind and marine energy is increasingly playing in the national energy mix.
A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND? My background is in industrial chemistry and my first degree is a joint honours from UMIST in Management and Chemical Sciences. In my final year I specialised in alternative and renewable energy systems and I’ve remained passionate about the subject ever since.
I worked in the chemical industry from 1978 to 1988 in a variety of both technical and commercial roles before becoming International Director at the British Chambers of Commerce; my first experience of working in a lobbying organisation and where I learned the importance of establishing and developing strong relationships between industry and government. In 2002 I was appointed Director General at the Institute of Export where I continued to promote international trade but now from the perspective of an educational charity, aiming to foster a more informed and professional approach through formal qualifications.
IF YOU HAD A SOAPBOX – WHAT WOULD YOU SAY? I’d ask, “What are we waiting for?” The UK’s national economy is struggling to emerge from the worst economic recession on record since the 1930s and our primary energy demands, not just for electricity but for heat and transport fuels as well, are increasing in line with both growth in the population and with energy intensive lifestyle characteristics.
WIND ENERGY INDUSTRY Then, in the Spring of 2006, the wind industry beckoned and I became Chief Executive of the British Wind Energy Association, the previous incarnation of RenewableUK.
I feel very privileged to have been at the centre of the wind energy sector as it has come of age and of the marine energy sector as it was just starting to gather pace.
Without doubt or exception, this has been both the most challenging and the most rewarding stage of my professional life so far.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR FUTURE? The sectors we represent have come a long way in a very short time but we still have a long way to go. I certainly feel too young to contemplate retirement and I find it difficult to imagine doing anything else between now and then.
This is an extraordinarily exciting time for our sectors and I cannot think of a more stimulating environment in which to work. I’d also struggle to find such a great bunch of people to work with, both within the secretariat of RenewableUK and, of course, among our members.
Together we are building an industry and creating a new, sustainable and secure energy economy and I find that tremendously motivating.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 13
The three pillars of national energy policy are sustainability, security and affordability and we are sitting on a seriously enviable combination of inexhaustible natural resources.
The harnessing of those resources is securing our energy independence, creating employment and attracting investment on an unprecedented scale, so I’d ask again, “What are we waiting for?”
Maria McCaffery RenewableUK
www.renewableuk.com Click to view more info
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