The Northern Ireland Renewables Industry Group (NIRIG) has appointed Steven Agnew as its new head, effective from 1 October.
Agnew is the former leader of the Green Party in Northern Ireland and is standing down from his position as MLA for North Down in the Northern Ireland Assembly, which he has held since 2011.
He served on the Enterprise, Investment and Trade Committee as well as the All-Party Group on Renewable Energy.
Agnew said: “Northern Ireland is leading the way on renewable energy generation and we can do even more in the years ahead.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of securing further green growth, jobs and investment – as well as low-cost electricity for consumers.”
NIRIG chair Rachel Anderson said: “I’m delighted to welcome Steven to NIRIG. During his time as an MLA, Steven has been a passionate champion of renewables.
“I know he will be a strong advocate for NIRIG as we strive to achieve a low carbon, high growth economy in Northern Ireland and I look forward to working alongside him.”
NIRIG is a joint collaboration between the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) and RenewableUK.
IWEA chief executive David Connolly said: “We’re delighted to have someone of Steven’s experience and keen understanding of the political system in Northern Ireland joining NIRIG.
“The only way Ireland can achieve our target to provide 70% of our electricity from renewables by 2030 is by working closely with Steven and our colleagues in Northern Ireland.
“Together we can decarbonise our electricity system and ensure homes, farms and businesses across the island are powered by clean renewable energy.”
RenewableUK chief executive Hugh McNeal said: “We’re looking forward to working with Steven in his new role in NIRIG. He brings passion, expertise and leadership at this critical time.”