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Pedro Vinagre, Europe CEO at EDP Renewables joins GWEC CEO Ben Backwell at WindEnergy Hamburg to discuss the current state of the energy sector and the critical need for investment in grid infrastructure. They discussed: - The shift from renewables to grid focus in energy investment - Europe's energy security and independence strategies - Impact of digital security and data sovereignty on energy - The role of storage and hybrid solutions in renewables - Market and policy challenges in renewable deployment Follow GWEC on Instagram or LinkedIn Follow Ben on Instagram or LinkedIn

In this episode of Powering the Future, Ben sits down with Jamie Henn, founder and director of Fossil Free Media, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing the clean energy transition: how to turn broad public support into real political and cultural momentum. Jamie explains why climate concern is still strong, why clean energy needs better storytelling, and how grassroots advocates, creators, and local messengers can help shift the narrative. From Greta Thunberg’s impact to the rise of energy security messaging, this conversation digs into the communication strategies that could help build a durable clean energy movement. Ben and Jamie also discuss disinformation, social proof, the role of authenticity online, and why the future of clean energy may depend on giving everyday people a bigger role in telling the story. Follow GWEC on Instagram or LinkedIn Follow Ben on Instagram or LinkedIn

Everyone knows wind energy's climate credentials, but there's another pillar the industry can comfortably stand firm on: Energy Security. Morten Dyrholm, SVP at Vestas, chats to GWEC CEO Ben Backwell about how wind energy can go toe-to-toe with fossil fuels on reliability, not just cost.  They discuss why the classic "climate first" pitch is evolving to something broader and just as urgent: energy security, independence, and systems that aren't reliant on volatile just-in-time supply chains. They discuss: - How wind, solar and storage are getting combined into hybrid systems - Why permitting is still such a massive bottleneck - Why did wind end up tangled in the culture wars, and what it'll take to win the narrative back Ben and Morten also get into the politics behind all this, from feed-in tariffs and auctions to the surge in energy security thinking after Ukraine and Iran. Their argument: renewables aren't just a climate play anymore, they're a domestic, strategic hedge against volatile fuel markets and rising power costs. Follow GWEC on Instagram or LinkedIn Follow Ben on Instagram or LinkedIn

"In 1975, a Kodak engineer built the world’s first digital camera. The company patented it, studied it — and locked it in a drawer. Kodak’s business was film. Why cannibalize it? Forty years later, Kodak filed for bankruptcy. The world had moved on without them," explained Antonio Coutinho, CEO of EDP Innovation, in a recent blog, explaining, "I keep thinking about that drawer when I watch US energy policy today." At this year's Lisbon Future Dialogue, GWEC CEO Ben Backwell sat down with Antonio to explore this idea and investigate what impact current policies could have on the future energy landscape.  Follow GWEC on Instagram or LinkedIn Follow Ben on Instagram or LinkedIn

In this episode of Powering the Future, GWEC CEO Ben Backwell speaks with Dave Jones, co-founder of Ember, about how clean energy is evolving faster than most people realise. They dig into the rise of wind, solar, batteries, electrification, and “electrotech,” and why data, not just advocacy, is key to shaping policy and public understanding.  From Europe’s coal phase-out to Asia’s rapid electrification and the shifting economics of oil, gas, and renewables, this conversation explores where the energy transition is really heading, and what still stands in its way. They also ask whether the age of electricity is going to be a lot of fun!? Follow GWEC on Instagram or LinkedIn Follow Ben on Instagram or LinkedIn

In this episode of Powering the Future, Ben Backwell sits down with Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General of IRENA, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it really takes to move the global energy transition from ambition to action. From Gauri's experience of India’s early solar mission to the realities of financing global renewables, grid integration, electrification, and energy security, Gauri shares a grounded view of where progress is happening, and more cricially, where the hard work still lies. They also discuss the role of multilateral cooperation, the impact of geopolitics, and why the Dubai COP’s tripling renewables target became such a powerful catalyst. A timely, strategic conversation about renewables, resilience, and the next phase of the transition. Follow GWEC on Instagram or LinkedIn Follow Ben on Instagram or LinkedIn

In a world where systemic risks loom large, renewable energy emerges as a beacon of hope. Join us as we explore how shifting to sustainable energy sources can transform the very structures that threaten our future.  Luke Kemp, renowned for his insights into global risks, reveals how renewable energy not only mitigates environmental threats but also empowers communities, decentralizes power, and fosters resilience against economic and political instability. Find out more about Luke's book Goliath's Curse here: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/282747/luke-kemp  Learn how clean energy can drive positive change, reduce dependency on volatile resources, and create a more equitable world. This episode of GWEC's Wind. Powering The Future. delves into the innovative strategies and collaborative efforts needed to harness renewable energy's full potential, offering a roadmap to a sustainable and thriving future. Follow GWEC on Instagram or LinkedIn Follow Ben on Instagram or LinkedIn

Ben Backwell sits down with Girish Tanti, co-founder and vice-chairman of Suzlon, to discuss his insights from a 30-year journey shaping India's wind industry, and building the global renewable energy sector.  Girish discusses how a textile family's pioneering efforts in wind technology defied scepticism to push wind energy from niche to mainstream, slashing costs by 70% and scaling from kilowatt turbines to gigawatt farms. Hear the strategic moves that transformed Suzlon from a local startup into a global powerhouse with a diversified portfolio of wind assets. Ben and Girish also look at the evolution of India's renewables policy, the importance of local manufacturing, and how India’s aggressive clean tech ambitions are driving a new wave of international leadership. Girish shares visionary plans to integrate wind, solar, and storage into 24/7 energy solutions, aiming to position Suzlon among the top global players within five years. GWEC's podcast Wind. Powering The Future. explores how wind energy will shape the world around us, and build a clean, secure energy system that transforms energy access, energy security and combats climate change. Follow GWEC on Instagram or LinkedIn Follow Ben on Instagram or LinkedIn

Join us as we delve into the world of climate diplomacy with Jennifer Morgan, former German Climate Envoy, Executive Director at Greenpeace and a leading figure in recent international climate talks. Discover the strategies and challenges of building global consensus on climate action, from the Earth Summit to the Paris Agreement. Explore how public opinion, activism, and private sector engagement shape climate policy and the critical role of inclusivity in negotiations.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of diplomacy, policy, and environmental action. Follow GWEC on Instagram or LinkedIn Follow Ben on Instagram or LinkedIn

This episode features a in-depth discussion with Dan Jorgensen, the EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, on Europe's energy challenges, the importance of long-term strategic decisions, and the role of renewable energy in shaping the future.  Chatting with host Ben Backwell, the pod explores how geopolitical crises can create "the political momentum to make difficult decisions that are necessary for the future." In this episode: The impact of recent geopolitical conflicts on Europe's energy securityEurope's historical and current dependence on fossil fuelsThe significance of long-term policy bets like ETS and renewables investmentsStrategies to accelerate renewable deployment and streamline permitting processesThe potential and challenges of offshore wind industry growth worldwideThe importance of electrification for planetary and economic resiliencePower price disparities across Europe and global competitivenessHow crises can catalyze political momentum for ambitious climate goalsFollow GWEC on Instagram or LinkedIn Follow Ben on Instagram or LinkedIn

In this in-depth interview, Selwin Hart, UN Special Advisor on Climate Change, shares his journey from diplomacy to climate action, discusses the global energy transition, and explores the challenges and opportunities in accelerating renewable energy deployment worldwide. Selwin Hart joins Ben Backwell, CEO of GWEC and Chair of the Global Renewables Alliance for the latest episode of Wind. Powering The Future. The podcast that explores how wind energy will shape the world around us, and build a clean, secure energy system that transforms energy access, energy security and combats climate change. Follow GWEC on Instagram or LinkedIn Follow Ben on Instagram or LinkedIn