Skip to content

Q&A with Alan Lovell, Chairman and Chief Executive, Tamar Energy

Ahead of UK AD & Biogas 2013 (3-4 July, NEC Birmingham), we asked by Deal Spy” href=”http://www.adbioresources.org/2013/06/12/qa-with-dr-jonathan-scurlock-nfu/#”>conference speaker Alan Lovell, Chairman and Chief Executive of Tamar Energy, our event sponsor about the strengths of anaerobic digestion, what he is working on and what message he would like to get across to visitors of the show.

What are you working on at the moment that you’re most excited about?

Tamar Energy is rolling out its planned UK wide network of AD plants. Seeing our business plan come to life, delivered by an engaged, motivated and talented team, is truly inspiring.

Realistically, what are the top three things you want to achieve in the next two years?

Within two years, Tamar Energy will:

– have at least ten plants well and truly in operation, the next seven or eight in construction, and more in development.

– be delivering renewable electricity back to the National Grid, powering thousands of homes, as well as contributing to the UK’s waste management strategy.

– be well advanced on a biomethane to grid project.

– create new ‘clean tech’ jobs in the communities where we operate Tamar Energy will be demonstrating why anaerobic digestion is an important part of the UK’s renewable energy strategy.

What do you think are the strengths of AD? How does it fit into what you want to achieve over the next two years?

It is going to take a portfolio of renewable energy technologies to deliver the UK’s energy targets. AD cuts carbon emissions, contributes to energy security and creates green jobs while reducing waste going to landfill. The process generates renewable energy with a constant baseload, making it safe, cost-effective and reliable, and at the same time produces a valuable fertiliser. AD is the focus of our renewable energy business. We aim to move AD beyond its agricultural heritage or as an adjunct to waste businesses, and unlock its potential contribution to the UK’s renewable energy targets.

If you were to become the Energy Secretary/Environment Secretary what would you change and why?

I would be looking for a mix of energy sources and they would certainly include AD. The coalition government has voiced support for AD, and its potential to contribute to the UK’s renewable energy targets. The main thing the government can do to help meet its own targets is keep the level of support to all sizes of project stable. There won’t be a ban on food waste to landfill until the government is confident the food waste recycling infrastructure exists – Tamar Energy intends to ensure this is the case by the end of this decade.

How do you hope to influence the audience at UK AD & Biogas 2013? What are the key messages you want them to remember?

AD has an important role to play in achieving the UK’s renewable energy targets.

– Tamar Energy is building a UK-wide network of AD plants. By 2019, we will be generating 100MW of renewable energy, enough to power more than 200,000 homes.

– Tamar Energy has four plants in construction and can offer the safe, cost-effective disposal of organic waste with minimal environmental and community impact. Whether you are responsible for your Local Authority waste strategy, a food producer or waste management contractor, we can help.

Alan Lovell will be speaking about ‘Meeting the ambition for ADon 3 July at 10.15pm in the free to attend conference at UK AD & Biogas 2013.

Back To Top