Former Contact Energy chief executive Steve Barrett has been appointed chair of Meridian’s United States-based subsidiary company, Meridian Energy USA.
Meridian chief executive Tim Lusk says the appointment of someone of the calibre of Mr Barrett is a real coup for the company.
“Steve’s appointment provides real confidence that Meridian’s offshore investment will be in good hands. Steve brings a unique combination of a background in the US and international power markets as well as a deep understanding of Meridian and how New Zealand companies do business.”
Steve Barrett reflected on his appointment: “I am looking forward to working with the Meridian Energy USA team and renewing my association with the New Zealand power industry. There are some excellent opportunities to expand Meridian Energy’s commitment to renewable technologies through solar development here in the US.”
Mr Barrett will join Meridian executives Andrew Robertson and Guy Waipara as directors of Meridian Energy USA, formerly known as Cleantech America.
Meridian purchased the San Francisco-based company last August, and the company has just commissioned its first solar PV project in Mendota, California.
The five megawatt project CalRENEW-1 is the first solar project to be connected to the Pacific Gas and Electric grid and marks a successful entry into the US market for Meridian says Mr Lusk.
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For further information contact:
Claire Shaw
External Communications Manager
Meridian
Ph (021) 370-677