The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has announced the recipients for its 2014 AWEA Awards, honoring wind industry supporters, leaders, innovators, and advocates for their outstanding efforts on behalf of wind energy. The recipients were recognized during AWEA’s Wind Energy Fall Symposium in San Diego, California.
“This year’s award winners exemplify some of the very best talent and passion in the wind energy industry today,” said Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA. “These individuals are at the core of what makes wind power the American success story it is today. With their leadership, and with American workers, we can make more of our own energy right here in America.”
The recipients of the 2014 AWEA Awards are:
Britt Theismann Award for Outstanding Contributions to Wind Energy: Siemens Wind Power Americas
Siemens is helping meet America’s energy goals with nearly 5,000 wind turbines capable of producing clean, renewable power for more than 2.5 million households across the U.S. every day. Siemens is committed to U.S. jobs and economic development. Siemens wind and wind services businesses in the U.S. support 1,700 full-time jobs. The company’s built two factories in Iowa and Kansas, a state-of-the-art technical training center in Orlando, Florida and established multiple service and distribution centers nationwide. Wind power is an integral part of Siemens’ commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions and has consistently demonstrated commitment to helping ensure the long-term sustainability of the wind power industry.
Outstanding Commercial Achievement Award: Theo de Wolff, Mistral Renewable Energy LLC
Theo de Wolff is Principal for Mistral Renewable Energy LLC. Since the early-nineties Mr. de Wolff has been one of the pioneers of the current U.S. wind energy industry through various successful ventures, representing more than 2,500 MW of operating projects in the US. Theo was instrumental in IKEA’s purchase of APEX Clean Energy’s Cameron and Hoopston wind projects, with the Cameron project being the largest single IKEA Group renewable energy investment globally to date.
Technical Achievement Award: Dr. James Manwell, Wind Energy Center, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Dr. James Manwell is Director of the Wind Energy Center in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Manwell has been working in field of wind energy for over 30 years, both within the United States and around the world. Dr. Manwell has authored a definitive textbook on wind energy engineering and under his directorship the Wind Energy Center has graduated hundreds of wind energy program students. Finally, Dr. Manwell is a leader in offshore wind energy research and currently is a lead member of the International Electroctechnical Commission (IEC) group, which is developing a second edition of the offshore wind turbine design standard.
Excellence in Operations Award: Brian Hayes, Executive Vice President of Asset Operations, EDP Renewables
Brian Hayes is Executive Vice President of EDP Renewables North America. Brian joined EDPR in 2006, when it was known as Horizon Wind Energy, just as the company’s operating fleet grew from 500 to over 3,800 MW. Brian has achieved impressive results in wind turbine operations and performance and his partnership approach has succeeded in driving improvements to reliability, production, and availability of turbines in the EDPR fleet. Together with EDPR team members, OEMs, service providers, partners and investors, Brian has developed an industry leading asset operations culture that drives the right decisions balancing cost and performance.
Andrew Linehan Award for Environmental Excellence: Roby Roberts, Communications and Government Affairs, EDP Renewables North America
As Vice President of Communications and Government Affairs, Roby Roberts is responsible for ensuring the successful strategic direction and development of policy, communications and regulatory activities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He joined EDP Renewables in 2010, bringing more than 20 years experience in renewable energy policy, communications, business development and regulatory affairs. Roby has worked tirelessly within AWEA, the American Wind Wildlife Institute (AWWI) and the broader industry to raise awareness of the need to focus on siting and operational issues related to wildlife and find solutions to reducing the industry’s impacts through developing partnerships with the environmental community and political outreach.
Outstanding Achievement in Distributed Wind: United Wind
With nearly 15 years in the wind industry, United Wind is committed to providing clean, renewable energy to property owners through its industry leading WindLease platform. By taking care of permitting to installation to ongoing turbine maintenance, United Wind is the only one-stop shop for small wind customers in the United States looking for a little-to-no money down leasing option. With the potential for savings on day one and guaranteed energy production, United Wind’s WindLease is helping its customers regain control of their utility bills. Founded on the belief that wind energy must be affordable to compete with conventional energy sources, United Wind is providing customers with wind energy options that make sense today and into the future.
AWEA
www.awea.org
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