Dr Eddie O’Connor has
resigned as Chairman of the Board of Directors of global renewable energy
company Mainstream Renewable Power, with immediate effect. It follows backlash
from a controversial statement made at Dublin Climate Dialogue.
Dr O’Connor founded the company in 2008 and was Chief Executive Officer
until 2017, at which point he was appointed Executive Chairman of the Board
of Directors.
He has previously apologised
for his "inappropriate and insensitive" comments, stating: "I
made inaccurate and harmful generalisations about the continent of Africa
that do not reflect reality, and instead serve only to perpetuate stereotypes.
I take personal responsibility for my comments and recognise the hurt I
have caused in making them."
Aker Horizons, the Norwegian company dedicated to investing in renewable
energy and green technologies, recently completed its acquisition of 75
percent of the company.
Kristian Røkke has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Mainstream,
succeeding Dr O’Connor, who is leaving the Board. Mr. Røkke is CEO of
Aker Horizons AS.
"On behalf of the Board, I wish to thank Eddie for his unwavering
commitment and dedication to fulfilling his vision of a world electrified
by renewable energy," said Mr Røkke.
"He began his journey to help decarbonise the world by building Ireland’s
first wind farm in 1992 and over the intervening 30 years he has been a
leading figure in the renewable energy industry globally. Eddie has played
a pivotal role in helping to establish thriving renewable energy industries
in a number of markets including Ireland, the UK, Chile and South Africa,"
added Røkke.
Mainstream has renewable energy interests across Latin America, Asia-Pacific
and Africa, as well as in the global offshore wind sector. This includes
a number of offshore wind farms in Vietnam.