The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) India has hired Martand Shardul as its first policy director.
Shardul (pictured) was previously a Fellow at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), where he steered the implementation of clean energy projects in India.
He has more than a decade of experience in public policy, clean energy analytics and digital transformation in India and beyond.
Shardul will lead the GWEC India’s engagement with the government and other key stakeholders to address policy bottlenecks to unleash the growth potential of both onshore and offshore wind power in India.
GWEC chief executive Ben Backwell said: “Since the establishment of GWEC India in November 2020, we have made great strides working with the local stakeholders to reenergise growth of India’s wind market.
“With the addition of Martand as policy director to our local team, we will be able to take our work to the next level through his decade of experience driving sustainable development and the energy transition in India.
“We are thrilled to welcome Martand to the GWEC India team, and use his expertise to help India tap into its massive wind power potential and achieve net zero.”
Shardul said: “India is undergoing a massive clean energy transition which is supported by bold commitments, strong policy support, and smart interventions that capitalise on the country’s renewable energy potential.
“I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to accelerate wind power development in India, which is currently one of the most cost-competitive and reliable power sources in the country, and will be a key technology to feed India’s growing power demand.
“At GWEC India, I look forward to working with all major stakeholders and supporting the Government of India’s endeavours to realise their target of 140GW of wind power capacity by 2030 and drive a green recovery.”