Governance

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) has now reached a major milestone in its governance, with the SSI Board approving its Multi-Stakeholder Governance Terms of Reference.

The SSI Board, appointed for two years, is the primary decision-making body of the Initiative.

The  SSI Board is made up of four stakeholder categories, each with three seats and equal voting rights. Half of these stakeholders represent industry (buyers and manufacturers) while the other half represent non-industry groups (civil society, institutional stakeholders and independent experts).

The Multi-stakeholder governance structure of the SSI was approved in November 2024. Following a robust recruitment process for non-Industry Board Members, the SSI plans to announce the composition of the full multi-stakeholder Board in May 2025.

 

By uniting diverse stakeholders, the aim of the SSI Board is to create a broad, inclusive platform for dialogue and action, leading to more comprehensive and sustainable solutions for solar value chains. 

If you’re interested in a non-industry position on the SSI Board, you can view the Governance Terms of Reference here or view the full role description for non-industry board members here.

The current SSI Board is composed of the following members:

Buyers

  • Luis Gómez-Chavarría, Global Head of Renewable Supply Chain Contracting and Management at Iberdrola 
  • Susannah Wood, Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability for Europe at Statkraft 
  • Giulia Guidi, Head of ESG at NextEnergy Group  

Manufacturers

  • Michiel Van Schalkwijk, Managing director Benelux at Solarwatt 
  • Michael Koebele, Director of Compliance at JA Solar 
  •  Pia Alina Lange, Director of EU public affairs and policy, Trina Solar 

Civil society, independent experts and institutional stakeholders

  • Mehmet Bulut, Senior Energy Analyst at Greenpeace International 
  • Stephan Singer, Senior Advisor Global Energy Policy at Climate Action Network International (CAN International) 
  • Guido Agostinelli, Principal Risk Officer, Sustainable Supply Chain at International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group
  • Malin Oud, Director of the Stockholm office and director of the China Programme, Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law 
  • Haley St. Dennis, Head of Just Transitions Programme, Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB)  
  • Andrea Wainer, Project Manager Renewable Energy & Sustainability at REN21 

Observer organisations (trade associations)

  • Maté Heisz, Director of Global Affairs, SolarPower Europe (Chair)
  • Gemma Grimes, Director of Policy, Solar Energy UK (Vice-Chair)

The Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG)

The Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG), an integral part of SSI Governance, represents diverse non-industry perspectives, such as civil society (human rights and environmental NGOs), intergovernmental organisations, academia, research organisations, international finance institutions, and other relevant non-industry stakeholders.

SAG members advise the SSI Board on various aspects, ensuring a holistic approach to decision-making, and can be invited to be observers at Board meetings. The SAG is also responsible for electing non-industry board members.

The SSI Board appoints members to the SAG based on eligibility criteria, including balanced representation and relevant experience.

If you are passionate about solar’s sustainable future, please consider applying to join the Stakeholder Advisory Group.  Contact us to express your interest in joining the SSI SAG.

The Technical Advisory Group (TAG)

The SSI Technical Advisory Group (TAG) provides advice to the SSI Board. It is made up of consultants and advisors with relevant expertise in solar manufacturing, compliance, quality, assurance and/or ESG strategy and reporting.

Technical Working Groups

SSI working groups are appointed by the SSI Board and contribute to standards, assurance systems, online platforms, and other relevant initiatives.

For example, the SSI Traceability Working Group was launched on 18 March 2024, with the objective of publishing the Supply Chain Traceability Standard by the end of 2024.

Find out more about the Supply Chain Traceability Standard.

Contact us to find out more about current SSI Technical Working Groups