News Article
Alliance for Rural Electrification appoints new Secretary General
The General Assembly of the Alliance of Rural Electrification (ARE), the only trade association in the world representing the off-grid renewables industry operating in developing countries, has elected Marcus Wiemann as their new Secretary General.
Marcus Wiemann (41), a German economist with a wide experience in public and corporate affairs in the energy sector, joins the Alliance from the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers, where he was Director of European Affairs.
While discussing the opportunities and challenges of the off-grid renewables sector in his inaugural speech, Mr. Wiemann said that "2012 has given the off-grid industry a united voice, mostly through the initiatives around the UN Year for Sustainable Energy for All. It will be my main task to make sure that this momentum continues and translates into real business opportunities."
About the industry Mr. Wiemann stressed that, "I am confident that I will help ARE to push for a significant expansion in the off-grid sector, to promote the industry in its efforts to market already-available technological solutions and to better position the organisation towards key partners and stakeholders."
Mr. Wiemann also introduced members to a new strategic approach for the organisation that will result in a year-by-year focus on a particular region and technology. 2013 will be the year of Latin America and Storage Solutions.
Ernesto Macías, ARE's President welcomed the new Secretary General saying, "Marcus is a highly qualified and accomplished professional in the fields of energy, international policy and business development. He joins us at a very exciting time for our industry and we welcome an injection of new blood, fresh thinking and new energy as we move to expand the off-grid market. I would also like to pay a tribute to Mr. Simon Rolland whose work as Secretary General for the last two years was exemplary."
