The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) have come together to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the sustainability, transparency, and resilience of renewable energy supply chains in the solar and wind sectors. This collaboration is a timely response to the increasing global emphasis on scaling renewable energy sources to meet climate objectives, where responsible sourcing and manufacturing practices have become more essential than ever.
As GWEC represents the global wind energy community, this partnership will support the establishment of the Wind Sustainability Initiative (WSI), an initiative that draws inspiration from the SSI’s framework. The WSI aims to promote industry-wide environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and enhance traceability within the wind energy sector.
The agreement shows a commitment to ensuring that the swift growth of renewable energy does not compromise ethical or environmental standards. By working together, both organizations plan to align best practices, facilitate knowledge sharing, and coordinate actions to uphold these critical standards across the industry.
This collaboration highlights the collective dedication to responsible growth and providing the necessary foundation for project financing. It enables developers and utilities to expand their operations while minimizing the risks associated with compliance and sanctions.
Further reinforcing their governance model, SSI and GWEC are committed to engaging key representatives from the industry, civil society organizations, and financial entities. This inclusive approach is expected to help accelerate the adoption of responsible sourcing practices throughout global renewable energy supply chains.
The SSI, focused on nurturing responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship in the solar energy value chain, continues to advocate for best practices and sustainability. Notably, it was reported that the offshore wind industry added an impressive 8GW of capacity in 2024, as detailed in GWEC’s Global Offshore Wind Report, showcasing the sector’s growth and potential.
Overall, this partnership represents a significant step toward ensuring that the transition to renewable energy is aligned with ethical and sustainable practices, fostering an environmentally-conscious future for both the solar and wind industries.