Kenyan-born energy expert appointed to US advisory team

By Fred Obura

A Kenyan-born renewal energy specialist Ameet Shah has been appointed a member to the US Department of Commerce Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee.

Currently, Shah serves as co-chairman of the Astonfield Renewables, a leading provider of affordable renewable energy in emerging markets.

Acting US Secretary of Commerce Rebecca M Blank appointed Shah, who was born in Kenya, to represent project developers in the renewable energy sector. Shah will help advise the Department’s top official on competitiveness issues facing US renewable energy and energy efficiency exports, and help provide consensus advice on the development and administration of programs and policies to expand US renewable energy and energy efficiency exports and strengthen the competitiveness of the industry.

 “I am deeply honoured to have been selected to join the Committee and I look forward to advising acting Secretary Blank on key issues facing US renewable energy and energy efficiency exports so that we may strengthen the competitiveness of this industry,” said Shah.

Formed in 2010 during President Obama’s first administration, the Committee is made up of approximately 30 individuals representing renewable energy companies, energy efficiency companies, organisations and trade associations.

“As a leading developer of solar PV assets in developing nations, I believe the US has an unrivaled opportunity to serve these markets. I hope to provide a deep insight to the Committee on shepherding US companies to tap into this multi-billion dollar market over the coming years,” said Shah.