Jonathan Colby

Jonathan Colby is Director of Technology Performance at Verdant Power, a tidal and river energy device developer based in New York City. He joined Verdant Power in 2006 after completing a master’s degree from the College of Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. His research focused on experimental fluid mechanics, including high temperature gas dynamics. His work at Verdant currently includes project management, turbine design and performance assessment, hydrodynamic modelling, data processing and analysis, fieldwork, and general turbine operation responsibilities. He is also actively involved in the environmental monitoring of native fish and bird species, among others, to assist in federal permitting and licensing. He is Chair of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Technical Committee for “Marine energy – Wave, tidal, and other water current converters” (TC 114) developing international, consensus-based standards for the Marine Energy industry. He is also engaged in the creation of a Conformity Assessment System for the Renewable Energy (Wind, Solar PV and Marine) industry, including serving as the Chair of the Marine Energy Sector. This Conformity Assessment System, known as the IECRE, will support the certification of Renewable Energy equipment and projects for the global marketplace, ultimately reducing risk and accelerating implementation. He was the recipient of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Next Generation award in 2012 and the IEC 1906 award for his achievements as a technical expert in 2015.