Rian van Staden, coordinator of Global100RE, passes away
Bonn, 28 September 2023 (Global100RE) – The Global 100% Renewable Energy Platform, Global100RE, and its members are deeply saddened by the passing of Rian van Staden earlier this week. Since 2018, Rian has been the coordinator of the Platform and has diligently and successfully led the organisation through the most challenging period of the Covid pandemic – most recently despite his deteriorating health. Prior to working for the Platform, Rian did important work as a renewable energy consultant and as Executive Director of the International Solar Energy Society.
His work in renewable energy made Rian one of the early pioneers who helped grow the sector from its infancy in the 1990s.
Global100RE sends its condolences to his wife Maryke, family and friends. Rian will be remembered as a passionate pioneer who helped get renewable energy off the ground.
Stefan Gsänger, Global100RE Co-chair and WWEA Secretary General: “I first met Rian when he was Executive Director of ISES more than 20 years ago. Not only did we begin a close collaboration between our organisations, but we became friends. I am very grateful for the wonderful time I had with Rian, for his intellectual spirit and his inspiring humour. I have lost a companion, a true friend.”
Dr. David Renne, Global100RE Co-chair and ISES Past President, USA: “I am very saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Rian van Staden. I first got to know Rian when I joined ISES in the early 2000’s. At the time Rian was serving as the ISES Executive Director. In the subsequent years I had many productive and enjoyable encounters with Rian, particularly after I became president of ISES in 2010, when he offered me much support and guidance. I was heartened when I learned he would serve as the Executive Director of the Global100RE Platform, where we continued our good relationship working on the Platform. I will miss Rian very much, and I send my deepest condolences to his wife Maryke.”
Dr. Tetsu Iida, Global100RE Co-chair as well as Chairperson of the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies (Tokyo, JAPAN): “Rian has played a central role as Executive Director of Global100RE and has contributed an integral role in moving the world toward 100% renewable energy. I am deeply saddened by the loss of that valued colleague and hereby express my deepest condolences.”
Prof. Klaus Vajen, ISES President: “ISES is very sad. Rian van Staden initiated many developments during his time as Executive Director that still have a positive impact more than 15 years after his departure from ISES.”
Ruslana Lyzhichko, Global100RE Ambassador, Ukraine: “I’m truly sorry to hear about the loss of Rian. My deepest condolences to you and their loved ones during this difficult time. May Rian rest in peace.”
Hon. Peter Rae AO, WWEA President, Australia: “Rian’s passing takes from the world of Renewable Energy a man whose vision extended beyond one technology to the importance of all the renewables working together to battle climate change. He was one of those who attended the meeting on 5th June 2004 at which the REN Alliance was formed. This brought together the international Solar Energy Society, which Rian represented, with the World Wind energy Association and the International Hydropower Association. Rian went on to work positively to the development of renewable energy and other measures and actions which have contributed to major changes have been taken around the world. A good man gone too early – RIP.”
Prof. Dr. Dieter Holm, former Secretary and Vice Chairman for Conferences ISES, and former WWEA Board Member, South Africa: “I had the privilege of meeting Rian in Freiburg when he was with ISES and we our friendship went far beyond our common South African background. What never failed to impress me was his vision of the greater contribution to be made by all renewable energies collaborating rather than competing. Rian, we shall never forget that.”
Monica Oliphant AO, WWEA Vice President and former ISES President: “Rian worked at ISES HQ from the time it moved to Freiburg from Australia in 1995. He was Executive Director for 4 years, 2001 – 2005, and tt was a pleasure to work with him and Maryke in my early days at ISES. Rian was a very innovative person especially in the area of IT where he introduced to ISES the World-wide Information System for Renewable Energy (WIRE) at a time when such initiatives were in their infancy. He was a dedicated promoter of renewables and a good communicator. I remember with gratitude the help I received from Rian during my time as ISES President and also the fun time I had with him and Marke when I accompanied them on tours after the Solar World Congress in Florida in 2005. Rian died much too young and will be remembered for his passion and dedication to the promotion of Renewable Energy. My sincere condolences to Maryke.”