How can you get involved with industry associations for renewable energy?

Industry associations offer a brilliant opportunity to network, exchange and share ideas with a wide range of experts and help gain fresh perspectives outside of your own organisation. Having served as the Chair of WindEurope for example, I can only reiterate, how much I gained, learned and enjoyed being part of it.

I am presently seconded from my role as a developer in Renewables to a global industry association, GWEC, dedicated to advancing the growth and acceleration of wind power. This has provided valuable insights into its extensive influence, not only within the industry but also significantly with broader stakeholders. These interactions play a crucial role in shaping and impacting the intricate layers of policy-making that are essential for the sustainable growth and development of the industry. The recent geopolitical and economic challenges have underscored the importance of well-resourced, impactful, and engaged industry associations. These entities are not only essential for responsive actions but play a pivotal role in thought leadership.

Industry associations are an excellent resource for individuals looking to develop a successful career pathway within an industry, and for companies looking to help guide and responsibly develop the industry. Associations are a forum to foster collaboration to ensure an industry grows responsibly utilizing past experiences. As an individual building a career in a specific industry, joining an association board provides leadership and networking opportunities. As a founding member and board chair of Offshore Wind California for several years, Board member of the Business Network for Offshore Wind (now Oceantic), and Council Member of America Clean Power's Offshore Wind Council, I gained valuable knowledge and visibility in the industry.

In Africa and Canada, Joining an industry association can offer a wealth of benefits when you're getting involved with renewable energy. Here are some key reasons why it might be valuable for you: Gain knowledge and stay updated: Industry insights: Associations have their fingers on the pulse of the sector, providing access to research, reports, and data on the latest trends, technologies, and policies in renewable energy. Educational resources: Many offer training programs, webinars, workshops, and conferences, helping you hone your skills, learn new things, and stay ahead of the curve. Networking opportunities: Connect with other professionals in the field, including potential mentors, collaborators, clients, and employers. Enjoy!

Joining a renewable energy industry association provides a platform for professional growth and collaboration. By becoming a member, you gain access to research, training, and certification programs, staying updated on industry trends and best practices. Networking opportunities allow you to connect with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators, while supporting advocacy efforts helps shape public perception and industry innovation. To join, typically visit the association's website and pay any associated fees. This investment can yield valuable returns in knowledge, skills, and career advancement within the renewable energy sector.

The best way to reach out to associations beyond web searching is to attend a local event or conference. Most of the associations do attend or showcase their offerings to get to know such associations. Renewable being a wide range of activities, I my view, needs consolidation example Solar, Wind and Hydrogen needs their standalone associations to bring context to associations, members and its activities. For example, attending COP28 opened a door for so many associations across regions and focus areas within renewable. I agree, online searching and peers are the first source of information.

Here are some tips to help you find associations to join in the field of renewable energy: National renewable energy associations: Major national associations like the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) or the Renewable Energy Alliance (REA) often have directories or lists of smaller, regional, or specialized associations within their network. They may also host events or conferences where you can connect with representatives from various associations. Use Linkedin: Platforms like LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for searching for groups and communities related to renewable energy. Look for specific keywords like "renewable energy", "sustainability", "solar", "wind", etc., and check the "Groups" section.

Conduct online searches for associations specific to your area of interest within renewables. Consult industry publications, websites, and forums for listings and advertisements. Network with professionals in the field for personal recommendations and attend relevant events and conferences. Utilize social media platforms to follow industry discussions. Check local and national directories of professional associations.

For the young and uptaking renewable sector and then in my case the offshore wind segment in particular, this is a topic on its own as you may want to make a bet on the right horse while associations rise and fall... Geo-Regional leading associations or global associations may be a good choice and combining this with a few local associations will give you the flavour of the larger picture (global / regional) but also allow hands on experience and contribution in local groups (also enabling easy access to meet people locally).

My recommendations for companies in (or looking to break in to) the offshore wind market are; - WindEurope - RenewableUK - IPF - American Clean Power - China Wind Power - World Forum for Offshore Wind (WFO) - The Wind Energy or Renewable Energy Association in your home country

Most associations make memberships an onborading easy. However fees based on revenue or size might be needed, so that you might need to convince your boss (which however is good to really make the right choice and have the argumentation available. For your boss but also for your reflection after a period of beeing a member...)

Ask Peers and Mentors: Seek recommendations from colleagues, mentors, or professionals in the renewable energy field who may already be associated with or knowledgeable about industry organizations. Attend Events: Participate in renewable energy conferences, workshops, or seminars where industry associations often have a presence. This provides an opportunity to learn about various associations and their activities. Utilize Social Media: Engage in discussions on social media platforms and forums dedicated to renewable energy. Government Resources: Check with government energy departments or agencies, as they may have information on recognized renewable energy associations and their activities.

To maximize your membership in a renewable energy association, actively engage in networking events and workshops to build connections. Utilize available resources like webinars, publications, and training for continuous learning. Volunteer for committees or projects to gain visibility and contribute meaningfully. Share your experiences and knowledge in discussions and forums. Stay informed about industry trends and opportunities through newsletters and member communications. Finally, leverage the association's platform for career advancement by accessing job boards and seeking mentorship opportunities within the community.

To make the most out of your membership you really need to think about attending the events that they run. Eg. RenewableUK runs a “Global Offshore Wind” event & a “Floating Wind” event & other events. So choose the event(s) that best suit your target markets. Then you need to decide how many people will attend from your organisation - there’s the entry cost, travel costs, overnight costs etc to consider. Do you need to have your own stand, for more impact - requires more staff and a higher cost. And my TOP TIP - pre-arrange meetings with customers, potential customers, parters, potential partners, suppliers before the event. I personally book in 5-8 meetings per day so i know even before I set off it will be a successful event!

Networking: Industry associations are fantastic forums for meeting new people in your domain and sector. Speaking: Associations often host public events and conferences where they invite speakers. It's useful to publicise your company's views and also your own self in the professional world. Advocacy platform: these bodies tend to offer access to government officials and policy makers to facilitate advocacy. Learning: as importantly as the points above, some industry associations promote industry reports and publish views. This helps one learn more about the industry. Create ideas: and quickly.

There is no doubt, that apprat from the potential membership fee, you need to invest time in order to get reward. Participation in working groups and dialogues with other members will requiere time and effort.

Make an argumentation list for yourself (and maybe your boss). Do reflect at least yearly and update. Do not hesitate to cancell commitments if it does not enhance your business or profelssional developments. You can always return if things change.

Prioritize Goals: Clearly define your goals and expectations from the association. Align these with your overall personal and professional priorities to ensure a balanced approach. Schedule Planning: Allocate dedicated time for association activities within your schedule. Plan meetings, events, and commitments in advance to prevent conflicts with other obligations. Regular Review: Periodically assess your progress and adjust your involvement based on changing priorities. Feedback and Support: Seek feedback from association peers or leaders to gauge your contributions.

Consider the broader impact of joining a renewable energy association beyond personal growth. Engaging with such organizations not only benefits your individual development but also contributes to the collective advancement of sustainable practices. By collaborating with like-minded professionals, you actively participate in shaping the future of renewable energy, influencing policies, and fostering innovation. This shared commitment strengthens the industry as a whole, making your involvement a meaningful contribution to the global transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

Actively participate in conferences and events, engage in networking to build valuable relationships, and volunteer for committees or initiatives. Utilize all available resources like publications and training sessions for continuous learning and professional development. Contribute your knowledge through articles or presentations, and provide constructive feedback to shape the association's activities.

To get involved with industry associations for renewable energy, start by researching and identifying relevant associations aligned with your interests. Attend their events, conferences, and webinars to network with professionals in the field. Actively participate in discussions, share your insights, and contribute to the community.

Before getting involved with associations, scrutinize their real impact versus mere talk. Investigate their achievements and member feedback. Are they driving tangible change or just hosting discussions? Attend a few events to observe firsthand. Network skeptically, asking about specific actions taken. If joining, set clear goals for what you wish to gain and contribute. Be ready to exit if it turns out to be more talk than action. Your involvement should be a strategic decision for actual growth and impact, not just a nominal association.

When choosing an association in the renewable energy sector, it is crucial to consider the diversity of its members, the association's values, its impact on the industry, and ensure that it aligns with your professional and ethical objectives. Opt for an association that reflects your passions, such as one focused on solar energy development, and actively engage by seeking volunteering opportunities within the association, thereby enhancing your involvement and visibility.