Wind energy leader Iberdrola has joined Global Wind Organisation, reinforcing the industry's global effort to strive towards an injury-free working environment. 

With several thousand employees worldwide, over 15GW of wind energy installed and a footprint in key markets across Europe, North and South America, Iberdrola will commit to using GWO standards for its workforce where appropriate and will contribute directly to their development going forward. The company supplies almost 100 million people in dozens of countries including Spain, the United States (AVANGRID), the United Kingdom (Scottish Power), Brazil (Neoenergia), Mexico, Germany, Portugal, Italy and France. 

GWO members like Iberdrola collaborate to develop and set minimum standards for safety and technical training. The training itself is delivered by a growing network of more than 320 independent certified training providers in 40+ countries around the world. 83,890 people had a valid GWO training record by June 30, 2019. 

José Ramón Ferradas, Global Director for Health and Safety at Iberdrola, said: "Iberdrola has an established global safety management system and in addition to our own proprietary training requirements, many of our employees and contractors already train to GWO standards as these are commercially available worldwide. 

"By joining Global Wind Organisation, Iberdrola can make a meaningful contribution to our industry's safety culture, helping to embed safe work practices in established regions while encouraging the adoption of basic minimum standards in emerging markets." 

Brian Walencik, chairman of the GWO North America committee and EHS Leader for GE Wind Onshore, said, "We are delighted to have Avangrid Renewables as part of the GWO North America Committee. As part of the global Iberdrola group, Avangrid Renewables has a powerful brand in North America. With their help and expertise, we look forward to bringing GWO training standards into the mainstream of U.S. and Canadian wind power. We welcome Avangrid Renewables' Kristy Abel to our team of leaders in North America." 

In addition to Avangrid Renewables, members of the GWO North American committee represent wind turbine manufacturers and owner operators including Acciona, ENERCON, E.ON, Equinor, GE, Nordex Group, Ørsted, Siemens Gamesa and Vestas.

Global Wind Organisation | https://www.globalwindsafety.org

Iberdrola | https://www.iberdrola.com