Former Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten (Green) is leaving politics and becoming CEO of the green interest group WindEurope. Van der Straeten resigns from parliament and will start working at WindEurope on February 2nd.
“Wind energy is crucial for the continent’s electricity supply, economic competitiveness, and climate goals. It provides Europe with affordable electricity, strengthens our independence, and helps our industry with high-quality jobs,” she explained in a press release. “Wind energy as the backbone is the best way to be resilient and energy independent in these geopolitically unstable times.”
Under pressure
As Minister of Energy in the De Croo government, Van der Straeten was responsible for expanding Belgian offshore wind farms. However, rising costs, slow permitting, and political uncertainty hampered the project. Last year, the De Wever government decided to partially scale back the plans.
Van der Straeten held on to the construction of new gas-fired power stations and wind turbines to meet energy needs, but under pressure from the MR and the opposition party N-VA, the Green minister found herself in a bind.
‘The only energy we can generate ourselves’
As the new CEO of WindEurope, Van der Straeten will, according to the interest group, “have to ensure that Europe breaks away from its dependence on fossil fuels” and that it “prepares for a future in which electricity consumption will continue to increase.” Today, wind energy accounts for 20 percent of Europe’s electricity consumption. By 2050, that will rise to 50 percent.
For Van der Straeten, it was the right time to make the switch. “Renewable energy is the only one we can generate ourselves. It keeps us independent and lowers bills for residents and businesses,” she says.
More than 600 organizations and companies – including major players such as Engie and Vestas, as well as well-known Belgian companies such as DEME and Jan De Nul – are members of WindEurope, which claims to be the world’s largest and most influential wind energy network.
