EDF chairman Jean-Bernard Lévy will be the next president of European energy association Eurelectric.
He has been elected along with two vice-presidents: Corina Popescu, chief executive of Romanian electricity company Electrica; and E.ON chief executive Leonhard Birnbaum.
Eurelectric represents 3,500 power generation, distribution and supply firms, and Lévy’s appointment comes as the organization throws its weight behind the European Commission’s Green Deal and its bid to stimulate a ‘Green Recovery‘ following the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Lévy said he was “convinced that electricity will be the path to carbon neutrality, and the key enabler of at least 55% of CO2 emissions cuts across the economy by 2030”.
“I have a clear conviction that the power sector, with its range of low carbon technologies, digital solutions and its ability to innovate, can help all EU citizens benefit from an affordable, climate friendly and comfortable lifestyle.”
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Lévy takes over from Pat O’Doherty, the chief of Irish utility ESB. O’Doherty said the European power sector “has proven its resilience and reliability in the face of frequent and extreme weather events, as well as other unforeseen and complex stress tests such as the COVID 19 pandemic”.
“Eurelectric plays a very important role in enabling collaboration and cooperation across Europe, ensuring that the industry can collectively address challenges and accelerate the pace of change.
“I am happy to pass on the torch to Jean-Bernard and the new presidency team knowing that they will continue to turn commitments into reality, working towards a more sustainable, convenient, comfortable and efficient future.”
Lévy will set out his Presidency priorities in a keynote speech at Eurelectric’s Power Summit, which begins tomorrow (Tuesday) and continues throughout the week. For further information visit https://powersummit2021.eurelectric.org/
