Robert Woolgar
Robert Woolgar is the president and CEO of Growler Energy. As a professional engineer, Robert’s interest in renewable energy began in university, which led him on a 25-year journey across the industry. Robert now leads Growler Energy on a mission to produce and distribute clean energy. As one of four owners, he drives a unique energy company that departs from the “profit-first” mentality and firmly believes in a “Creating Shared Value” approach – a belief that is driven by the company’s passion for protecting the environment and empowering communities. “We are a devoted group, and we see ourselves as strategic thinkers. Our approach to developing projects and relationships is not like what you would see in larger companies. We pride ourselves on doing the right thing, and establishing strong relationships is important to us, especially with the communities in which we work,” he shares.
Long before he joined Growler Energy in 2018, Robert was a civil engineering student at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador, finishing up his last two work terms at a waterpower consulting firm. It was his first exposure to renewable energy, and he was hooked. After graduating, he jumped into a career in the water power sector and never looked back, working on renewable energy projects across Canada, and gaining exposure to other areas of the industry. Robert was recognized as a fellow with Engineers Canada for his outstanding contribution to the community and industry through dedicated volunteerism with the local National Engineering Week committee.
After 22 years working in the renewable energy sector, Robert realized there was something missing; he needed to explore his own ideas and concepts for renewable developments. It was during this time that Robert joined Growler Energy and from there, the company’s focus became locked-in on finding and developing renewable resource potential. Now as president and CEO, Robert is helping build the company from a renewable energy development startup into one that now partners with internationally recognized companies, such as Landsvirkjun Power in Iceland and Tetra Tech in North America, synergizing Growler Energy’s expertise in renewable energy. For Landsvirkjun Power, the partnership with Growler Energy is helping the team develop renewable energy strategies that reduce community dependence on diesel energy in Canada, reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions and fostering economic growth within communities. This renewable energy development partnership has led to specific renewable energy development projects with C&T Enterprises in Labrador and Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation in Nunavut.
As Growler Energy continues its growth, Robert and the team at Growler Energy have also set their sights on expanding the company’s professional services to the offshore wind market in the United States and the Eastern Seaboard, including power generation, submarine power cables, landfall drilling, and project management professional consulting services. With Robert’s enthusiasm for renewable energy, the future is both green and bright for this emerging energy company.
Robert Woolgar, P.Eng. FEC
President and CEO— Growler Energy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-woolgar-p-eng-fec-318ab634/
Download the Top 100 Canadian Professionals magazine and check out Robert's feature on page 68.