The IEA is an independent part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and advises member governments on energy issues. The Wind Technology Collaboration Programme aims to further develop wind energy in the current 21 member countries from Asia, Europe and North America. Independent, international groups of experts work to advance the research, development and commercialization of wind energy technologies.

Barth studied physics at the University of Oldenburg, where he also earned his doctorate. Before taking over the management of ForWind in 2008, he was project manager in the wind energy department of the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN). Under his management, ForWind covers a broad engineering and physics spectrum, provides scientific support for industrially oriented projects and organizes the qualification of specialists and managers.