Preben Maegaard, Renewable Energy Visionary and Founding President of WWEA, Passed Away

WWEA President Hon. Peter Rae AO

"Preben was a visionary who has inspired thousands of people around the world to strive for a better, a more democratic and more participatory world based on renewable energy. His close and very fruitful friendship with the other renewable energy titan, Hermann Scheer, has created a vision of a renewable energy world which will still guide future generations."

Stefan Gsänger, WWEA Secretary General

"We have received the tragic news of Preben with deep sorrow. Dr. Preben Maegaard, born 1935, was a pioneer in renewable energy in Denmark and also played a great role in the field of world renewable energy. Since the 1970s, he has been engaged in the research of policies and technologies related to renewable energy, as well as the application and promotion of renewable energy. When WWEA was founded in 2001 he became the first president. He has made important contributions to the development of WWEA. Preben Maegaard visited China many times and was a well known international wind energy expert in Chinese wind energy. He was our old friend. We deeply offer our sympathies in the sudden demise of this respected person."

He Dexin, Shi Pengfei, Wu Gang, Qin Haiyan, Chinese Wind Energy Association CWEA

"My deepest condolences to Jane Kruse, to Preben’s family and all their friends! WWEA founding President Dr. Preben Maegaard was the "father" of our WWEA family for many years. With his unique enthusiasm, he has given us all lasting inspiration to fight for the success of wind energy in our countries. Together with Jane Kruse and their team they developed the Nordic Folkecenter as a highly convincing place for the worldwide rollover to 100 % renewables, based on community power. We will always keep this wonderful work in fond memories."

Heinrich Bartelt, WWEA Vice President, Member of the Board German Wind Energy Association BWE, Germany

"A crusader for environment and wind energy. May he rest in peace."

Dr. Jami Hossain, WWEA Vice President, India

"We will always remember Preben Maegaard as a Renewable Energy Pioneer, a great person of great and sincere heart. Preben Maegaard will live in our memory as a scientist and tireless campaigner for «green» energy."

Andriy Konechenkov, WWEA Vice President, Chairman of the Board, Ukrainian Wind Energy Association

"It’s a great loss to the renewable energy community. What a wonderful personality and visionary person. I met him many times and found him a loving and caring person. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends."

Dr. Irfan Mirza, WWEA Vice President, Pakistan

"Among the very few who could appreciate the righteousness and scale of his commitment to Wind Energy developments, Preben Maegaard leveraged his passion with great efficacy. The global wind energy community he created owes him a lot!"

Khalid Benhamou, WWEA Treasurer, Managing Director Sahara Wind, Morocco

"Preben had a vision of the greatest men on earth. He will always be on our hearts."

Dr. Everaldo Feitosa, Eolica, Brazil

"Preben Maegaard had been an asset to WWEA. May his soul rest in peace."

Dr. K. Kasthurirangaian, Chairman Indian Wind Power Association, India

"Preben was a true pioneer. We will not forget him. Rest in peace."

Joan Fages, former EREF President, Spain