The Solar Trade Association (STA) has signed an agreement to lease part of RenewableUK’s offices. The move has practical benefits for both separate organisations and their different memberships. But it is also hoped that the creation of this “renewables hub” in London will foster a healthy exchange of ideas on the key strategic issues that are facing the energy sector as a whole, and the renewables industry in particular.
Hugh McNeal, RUK CEO, commented:
“We’re pleased to be welcoming the STA into this office. It makes sense for our two organisations to work alongside one another in this way, sharing space and sharing ideas on how we both deliver for our members and enable them to deliver vital, modern, and affordable power for UK consumers.
Jonathan Selwyn, STA Chair, commented:
“Solar and wind, together with complementary smart technologies, will deliver the cleanest and most cost effective solutions for our energy future. The STA works closely with RenewableUK, and other advocates for renewables, to articulate this vision. This move will enable us to develop areas of shared interest and tackle some of the common political barriers to development.”
Paul Barwell, STA CEO, commented:
“Our recent members’ survey revealed that 92% of our members would recommend joining the STA but they want to see us collaborate more closely with other industry associations – this move shows we are serious about doing so. In addition to making resources work harder for our members, we look forward to identifying more areas for collaboration with RenewableUK. The technologies our two organisations represent are at the heart of the international transition to clean power – investment will need to triple to meet the Paris Agreement commitments so this move stands us in good stead for a bright future."
RenewableUK and STA have previously collaborated on community ownership, smart power and embedded benefits. The associations have many common goals including securing the cheaper, more flexible system that enables easy integration of variable generators.
