Mr Christoph Vitzthum, Group Vice President and head of Wärtsilä Power Plants, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the World Alliance for Decentralized Energy (WADE) with effect from 1 January 2008.
“Decentralized power production is becoming increasingly important in the global power mix, and it is a vital complement to centralized power generation. Through increasing the market share of decentralized energy production we can, among others, improve total electrical efficiency and provide more secure power supply for local consumers. DE technologies enable us to create a more cost-effective and a more sustainable electricity system that delivers substantial economic and environmental benefits, such as reduced energy costs and decreased emissions”, says Christoph Vitzthum.
“WADE is a well-recognized global organization that works to accelerate the worldwide deployment of decentralized energy systems. Decentralized energy systems are often constrained by outdated energy policies and regulations. One of WADE’s goals is to advocate the reform of these policies”, he adds.
The World Alliance for Decentralized Energy (WADE) is an international non-profit research and promotion organization representing global companies as well as industry and environmental groups. WADE’s direct and indirect membership includes well over 200 organizations.
In an effort to raise the profile of cogeneration as a climate change mitigation strategy in the 1997 UNFCCC climate change negotiations, the International Cogeneration Alliance was founded. In 2002 the group changed its name to WADE and broadened its scope to include all manner of DE technologies.
Research by WADE estimates that in 2005 DE accounted for about 10% of installed power production capacity compared to 7% in 2001. Almost 25% of electricity generated by new capacity added in 2005 was generated by DE installations.
Further information
Christoph Vitzthum, Group Vice President and head of Wärtsilä Power Plants
Tel +358 10 709 5670
Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä enhances the business of its customers by providing them with complete lifecycle power solutions. When creating better and environmentally compatible technologies, Wärtsilä focuses on the marine and energy markets with products and solutions as well as services. Through innovative products and services, Wärtsilä sets out to be the most valued business partner of all its customers. This is achieved by the dedication of more than 15,000 professionals manning 150 Wärtsilä locations in 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on The Nordic Exchange in Helsinki, Finland.
