Rob Forrest is the owner and Chief Executive of GreenPower. He established the GreenPower group in 2000; prior to this he ran a consultancy business which provided services to the wind, hydro and solar industries. Rob has worked in renewable energy since 1985 and his experience covers projects across Europe, the USA and South America.
In 1999 Rob was a founding director of Scottish Renewables and its first Chief Executive. In 2016 Rob returned to the board and in 2018 was elected Chair. He resigned as Chair and from the Board in February 2021, in order to devote more time to GreenPower and to focus on more effective direct advocacy for onshore renewables.
He has served on various government and industry bodies, including the Scottish Government’s ministerial advisory group, the ‘Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland’; as a director of the Scottish Energy Industries Group; and was founding secretary of the Scottish Parliaments ‘Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Group’ (SPREEE).
GreenPower has consented over £350m worth of renewable energy projects and the Company’s interests span wind, hydro and solar power. GreenPower’s projects have ranged from single wind turbine developments and run of river hydro to the 68 turbine Griffin Wind Farm in Perthshire. GreenPower continues to grow its portfolio and has recently started work on its first hydrogen project.
Outside of work, Rob is a keen follower of cycle racing, having raced in his twenties, and rides his mountain bike, as often as he can (which is never enough). He enjoys spending time with his family, travelling and is also a keen hill walker.