Powering the Future: Insights from Wind Energy Expert Ignacio Romero-Sanz

Can you give us a quick introduction about yourself? 

I am Ignacio Romero-Sanz, a wind technology and engineering manager with 20+ years of experience in the renewable energy sector. I have earned a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Carlos III University in Spain and a Master's degree from Yale University in the US. 

With commitment and resilience, we can achieve great results.

My career has spanned various roles, from technical leadership to management positions, including products and services development, at companies like Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and Bureau Veritas.

Could you walk us through your career path? 

My career has been focused on the renewable energy industry, particularly wind energy. I began as an R&D engineer at Siemens Gamesa, gaining experience in wind turbine design and testing. I progressed to senior roles, including Chief Engineer, Product Development Director, and Chief Technology Officer, overseeing the entire value chain of renewable energy products. 

I have enjoyed teaching as a part-time adjunct professor for the past 20 years. 

Currently, I serve as the Global Technical Lead for Wind Services at Bureau Veritas, where I support the global wind industry.

How would you describe your position and work at the Energy (Renewables) Team at Bureau Veritas?
 
As the Global Technical Lead for Wind Services at Bureau Veritas, I oversee the technical function of the company's wind business. My responsibilities include supporting global operations, developing service portfolio, maintaining high-quality service processes and tools, and supporting certification processes, including participation in IECRE working groups. I collaborate with international teams to deliver top-notch technical support and solutions in the wind energy sector.

What do you enjoy most about working in the renewable energy sector? 

What I enjoy most about working in the renewable energy sector, particularly in wind energy, is the opportunity to be at the forefront of technological innovation in the energy transition. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of an industry that is making a tangible impact in the fight against climate change and the shift towards a more sustainable future. The dynamic and fast-paced nature of the sector also keeps me constantly challenged and motivated to push the boundaries of what's possible in renewable energy.

What’s your greatest professional achievement and your biggest challenge at BV? 

Coordinating multicultural and multidisciplinary teams dedicated to achieving project or company objectives, like wind turbine design with thousands of installations that has earned "Turbine of the Year" recognition, or supporting development and M&A transactions of offshore wind farms, bring me great satisfaction. 

The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the professional growth of the colleagues that I worked or work with.

At Bureau Veritas, my biggest challenge is keeping pace with the rapid changes in the renewable energy sector. Adapting our services and expertise to meet clients' evolving needs is a dynamic challenge that demands agility and foresight.

How do you see the role of renewable energy evolving in the next 5-10 years as part of energy transition?

I believe renewable energy, especially wind and solar, will likely expand rapidly over the next 5-10 years, driven by cost advantages, technological improvements, and global scaling, potentially becoming the dominant power source globally. 

Beyond geopolitical factors, key elements for the transition in the next decade include the security of generation and distribution infrastructures, the electrification and growth of demand, hybrid technological solutions, and finding a balance between innovation and quality maturation. Facilitating offshore wind installations, including fixed-bottom serialization and floating technology maturation, will be essential for sustainably meeting the world's growing energy demands.

What would you say to someone considering a career at Bureau Veritas and in the renewable energy sector? 

I would highly recommend a career at Bureau Veritas and in the renewable energy sector. 

It's an incredibly dynamic and rewarding experience, where you can have a direct impact on the transition to a more sustainable future. 

At Bureau Veritas, you'll have the opportunity to work with a unique combination of global team expertise and local knowledge, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to support the growth of renewable energy around the world. It's a chance to be at the forefront of an industry that is rapidly evolving and making a real difference in the energy transition. 

If you're passionate about sustainability, driven by innovation, and eager to be part of a team that is shaping the future of energy, I would encourage you to consider a career at Bureau Veritas and in the renewable energy sector. 

It's an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling path.