Spencer ECA

22-year old James has spent the past four years studying at Aberystwyth University, where he first graduated with a 1st Class with honours in Environmental Science. He was then awarded an Access to Masters scholarship from the European Union, for a Masters in Environmental Management, during which time he specialised in bioenergy.

During this course, James undertook a period of work experience and, in May of this year, he joined Spencer at its headquarters in Penrhiwllan near Llandysul to work alongside its management team.

As the subject matter was so relevant to his degree course, James used what he had learnt during his time at Spencer as part of his dissertation, which was called: ‘From forest to fuel: an evaluation of forest-derived biomass for thermal energy production’.

The dissertation was split into two parts:

• A chemical analysis measuring the performance of the biomass stored on Spencer’s premises, looking at calorific values and burn characteristics.

• A lifecycle assessment of the whole biomass supply chain: from the harvesting of the raw materials to the combustion of the products. This assessment also considered the emissions associated with forest-derived biomass and its long-term sustainability.

“Following my work experience with the company I was delighted when Spencer offered me the new role of Biomass and Renewables Manager”, said James. “This is exactly the type of position I was studying for and it’s great to be able to go straight from university into full-time employment, especially with a company like Spencer and with its biomass business currently developing.”

Having responsibility for the day-to-day running of the biomass division of Spencer ECA, James is also well placed to introduce an element of research and development into the company, looking at techniques to improve both its products and the supply chain. Additionally, given the diverse nature of the business, James has taken an active role in other sectors of the business, ensuring he has a wide and detailed knowledge of the company as a whole.

“We are extremely pleased to now have James with us on a permanent basis”, said Spencer ECA Director Jamie Jukes. “His work experience came at an ideal time, as we are in the process of expanding our Bioenergy division and needed someone with a scientific background who possessed up to date knowledge of the subject to look after this side of our business. Having worked with him for six months during his work experience programme, there was no doubt that James was the ideal candidate.”

Spencer’s Bioenergy division has been created to provide the rapidly expanding renewable energy market with sustainable and environmentally responsible fuels. The company continues to invest in plant and its on-site facilities in order to service future demands and the ongoing growth in the renewables sector.

Now a major supplier of high quality woodchip and cut logs in Wales, Spencer is able to supply both industrial and domestic markets, from power stations to family homes. Its environmental services, such as forestry work, site clearance and tree harvesting, means the company is able to manage and oversee each stage of the biomass production process: from forest to fuel.