James Dehlsen

Jim is recognized as a pioneer and world leader in wind power and renewable energy. Jim co-founded Clipper Windpower, Inc., where he serves as Executive Chairman. Clipper developed the breakthrough 2.5 MW Liberty wind turbine and is currently advancing the development of a 10 MW offshore turbine project that he initiated in 2007.
In 2009, Jim and Brent Dehlsen established Ecomerit Technologies, LLC as a commercial development laboratory for new sustainability-related systems with initial emphasis on marine renewable energy: the Aquantis project for oceancurrents and the Centipod project for harnessing wave energy. Ecomerit innovates, designs and uses systematic technical and economic processes to advance technology projects to commercial-­ready status.

In 1980, Jim founded Zond Corporation and served as Chief Executive Officer, and as Executive Chairman of the Board until its acquisition by Enron Corporation in 2000. Zond pioneered wind power technology developing three generations of wind turbines, growing rapidly to become one of the largest global companies in wind turbine manufacturing, wind power project development, and plant operation. In 2002 following Enron’s demise, General Electric purchased the wind energy business and technology for its entry into the wind industry. Jim has served as an advisor to the Department of Energy’s Wind Program and has testified at U.S. House and Senate hearings on renewable energy related issues.

Jim has 13 patents and nine patents pending.