Wouter Drinkwaard

Business Development manager
Shell

Wouter is passionate about investing in projects that deliver durable climate impact while improving livelihoods in developing countries. He holds an MSc in Innovation Sciences, with a specialization in the adoption of renewable technologies in emerging markets—a theme that has consistently shaped his career.

He began his career in Bolivia, where he supported the implementation of small‑scale hydropower systems in remote rural communities. He later joined Engie, working on the development of decentralized energy systems in the Netherlands.

At Shell, Wouter contributed to the early development of the company’s carbon strategy, before moving into roles focused on second‑generation biofuels and, subsequently, nature‑based solutions (NBS). After playing a key role in the initial build‑out of Shell’s NBS business, he now leads investments in NBS projects across Africa. He is particularly motivated by working with NGOs and small enterprises that require carbon financing to deliver strong socio‑economic and environmental benefits while restoring natural ecosystems.

Sessions