Mainstream Names Asia-Pacific Head

Irish wind and solar projects developer Mainstream Renewable Power has appointed Raghuram Natarajan chief executive of its Asia-Pacific business.

"This key appointment to the Group’s Leadership Team, based out of its newly opened regional headquarters in Singapore, comes ahead of significant expansion plans for the region," said a press release.

Natarajan brings a decade and a half of senior leadership experience in the wind and solar industry across India, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Australia.

His most recent position was APAC CEO with Juwi where he had responsibility for delivering 1.2 GW of solar and wind projects through development and into commercial operation as well as overseeing a portfolio of more than 1 GW under long-term asset management.

Commenting on this key appointment, Mainstream’s Group Chief Executive Andy Kinsella said: “We are delighted to welcome Ram on board; with his solid track record delivering solar and wind assets across the APAC region, he is the ideal person to spearhead our ambitious expansion plans and lead our rapidly growing regional team. We are currently developing South East Asia’s largest offshore wind farm in Vietnam, we are progressing two wind farms in the Philippines and are evaluating a number of exciting opportunities across a range of new markets in the APAC region.”

Mr Natarajan commented: “I am honoured and thrilled to be joining Mainstream to lead the growth story in Asia Pacific – one of the fastest growing regions in the world. Mainstream’s global track record and strategic market entry with the Phu Cuong offshore wind farm in Vietnam provides a strong foundation to expand the APAC platform further and realise its energy transition and investment goals. “

Mr Natarajan has a strong track record in the solar PV sector having delivered the first utility-scale solar projects in Saudi Arabia, Thailand and South Korea between 2005 and 2008. A biomedical science graduate from the National University of Singapore, Ram also holds a post-graduate degree in Technological Entrepreneurship from Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, and an Executive MBA from London Business School.

Mainstream is currently developing the 800 MW Phu Cuong Soc Trang offshore wind farm in Vietnam, the largest in South East Asia, and last month signed a framework agreement to facilitate the development of wind and solar projects in the country’s Dak Lak Province.

In the Philippines, Mainstream is developing 120 MW of wind projects with local partners as well as progressing both greenfield and project acquisition opportunities. The company has established its regional headquarters in Singapore and has development offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Melbourne.