Active Energy Group plc (LON:AEG), the international biomass based renewable energy business, has announced the appointment of Barron Hewetson as the Company’s Chief Technology Officer, with effect from 1 July 2023, to focus on the development of CoalSwitch® production in the United States. Barron’s role will initially be in a non-Board capacity.
Barron joins Active Energy from Enviva Biomass Inc. (“Enviva”), where he has worked since 2016. At Enviva, he has served in a number of roles, most recently as the Director of Innovation and Product Management. During his time in that role, Barron diversified Enviva’s production portfolio by negotiating contracts in new industry sectors and assisted in contract negotiations totaling over $12.5 billion.
In a previous role at one of Enviva’s subsidiaries, Sampson Wood Pellets (“Sampson Wood”) in Faison, North Carolina, Barron served as both Operations Manager and Quality Manager. With the operational team, he successfully increased plant production from below budget to above target and, using both collaboration and process redesign, he improved Sampson Wood’s existing biomass program, earning Sampson Wood pellets recognition from its international customers for producing the “World’s Best Wood Pellets.”
As Special Projects Leader at Sampson Wood, Barron was also responsible for the team that designed and implemented a novel steam injection system. Barron’s industry experience in growing and operating commercial scale biomass energy manufacturing businesses will be crucial as Active Energy scales up operations in North America. The Company is already examining expansion opportunities for manufacturing operations throughout North America as it seeks to meet the anticipated demand for its CoalSwitch® fuel.
Prior to joining Enviva, Barron was a founder of Spero Energy, where he worked during his graduate studies. Barron has a Master of Science and a PhD in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Purdue University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts from Wabash College.
Michael Rowan, CEO, Active Energy Group, said:
“Active Energy is adding depth and breadth to the management team as we reach a critical point in the Company’s development. With construction activities accelerating, future production operations at the Ashland Reference Facility remain on schedule. Whilst first fuel deliveries remain the prime focus, Active Energy needs to start planning for future product and manufacturing development. Barron provides unique industry expertise with a proven track record on delivery. We look forward to Barron becoming a member of the executive team.”
Barron Hewetson, CTO, Active Energy Group, said:
“I am very excited to be joining Active Energy at this time in the Company’s development. CoalSwitch®, as a next generation biomass fuel, is the superior biocarbon product urgently needed by the biomass industry to address both increasing environmental demands as well as greater economic efficiencies. I look forward to getting to work, helping Active Energy accelerate the production of CoalSwitch®, both in North America and internationally. “
