26 February 2025
Our Managing Director Jonathon Wroe speaks to Bioenergy Insight magazine, covering the latest news and insights in the biomass, biogas and biopower industries. Read the full interview.
What first drew you to the industry?
I’ve had the pleasure of working in the water and wastewater treatment industry all my career, and I’ve always been interested in the environment and the circular economy. The idea of taking a waste product to generate green energy and recycle the waste back to land, is really exciting to me.
When the opportunity came up to help create a bioresources business within Severn Trent Water, I jumped at the chance. The expertise and experience that I gained from bioresources helped pave the way for joining Severn Trent Green Power, and it’s a massive privilege to play a part in creating a cleaner UK by leading the country’s largest producer of renewable energy from food waste.
What excites you about the role?
Every day I get to lead a team of highly skilled and dedicated people who care hugely about the business and our environmental purpose. I’m regularly asked about the future and it is both exciting, but also a little unknown in terms of market performance, sector risk and how food waste anaerobic digestion fits into the long-term energy strategy for the UK. What I can say with total certainty is that Green Power is well-placed both financially and strategically to exploit and maximise future opportunities.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Figure out where you get your energy from versus what drains all of that energy. Doing something that you love is important and harnessing that passion towards your career will pay dividends. I’m also a strong believer in the positive influence that mentors and coaches can have on career progression. This doesn’t have to be a formal arrangement — it can simply be regularly seeking guidance and advice from others who are naturally better than you at certain things.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
My family and friends would tell you I like to do electrical jobs for them, putting up new lights and sockets etc. I still keep my qualifications up to date, although I am getting a little too old for working up ladders. I enjoy being in the outdoors, such as fishing in the summer — I’m a member at a local lake. I’ve also been snowboarding since I was young, absolutely love the scenery and thrill of the mountains. Already have my next trip booked!
What is your proudest moment to date?
A few years back, I was a project lead tasked with the operational elements of the design, build and commissioning of a large scale THP (Thermal Hydrolysis Plant) — the first of its kind for Severn Trent Water. It was the best example of meaningful collaboration between operational teams and construction partners I’ve ever experienced.
Using virtual reality, the operational teams could visualise pipework layouts, pump and panel configuration, and virtually practice tasks like critical maintenance. Not only did the user feedback helped shape the final design, engaging operational teams at the design stage also ensured their buy-in, resulting in a successful implementation.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would that be?
Everything happens for a reason. When you’re younger, you have a sense of invincibility with a limited rear view mirror.
Throughout my earlier career, I had my fair share of setbacks and I’m not sure I always took the time to reflect and learn from those mistakes. Always seek and act on feedback and think what you’re going to do differently next time.
Who (or what) inspires you?
I get inspiration from working with and around passionate and engaged people who are dedicated to making a difference. Green Power is a small but formidable business made up of people who are passionate about what they do and energised about making a difference. We also benefit from all the advantages of being a small business compared with a much larger organisation.
Being nimble and creative, and having strong connections with our local communities, like our recent volunteering day where me and my team supported a community project with restoring natural hedgerows to improve environmental heritage.
What do you look for when hiring a new member of the team?
I’m constantly scanning for variety and different perspectives. Being able to challenge ideas constructively and complementing each other with our own skills and experience contributes to a healthy and high-performing team. I’m also a big believer in creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, with a focus on providing employment opportunities for young people from all backgrounds. As a former apprentice, I was given the chance to learn new skills and offered employment, so developing new talent is very important to me.
What makes the company stand out from its competitors?
There are three things that I think make us different and stand out when compared to our competitors. Firstly, our people. Since joining Green Power, I’ve been amazed at the strength of our teams — experienced colleagues with a deep understanding of the sector who are passionate about providing a world-class service and constantly looking for ways to improve.
Secondly, our operational excellence. Our portfolio of AD assets expertly operated by a skilled workforce ensures we provide a resilient and trusted treatment service for our customers.
And finally, our approach to sustainable growth. We are committed to investing in the long-term health of the business and the training and development of our people.
What’s next for the company?
Green Power is all about building sustainable growth. Not only are we ready for the upcoming legislation changes to food waste recycling, we’re also constantly scanning the market for exciting opportunities to expand and diversify.
We have recently completed the acquisition of four solar farm projects which is our largest ever investment project and will add to our already extensive portfolio of renewable energy assets.