“Cornwall is a huge growth area, because there's already a great awareness of green issues and a commitment to achieving local targets for sustainability- it really is an ideal place to start a business like this”
Nathan Billings | Micro Energy Ltd
Nathan Billings grew up in Newcastle, but his enthusiasm for renewable energy brought him the 460 miles to Penryn, Cornwall to study on what was then the only BSc in the subject, offered by the University of Exeter at the Tremough campus.
The course proved invaluable for Nathan in increasing his knowledge and enthusiasm within this specialised area of expertise- he explains, "It's really exciting to be involved in what is not yet a fully mature industry, because so many answers have not yet been found. There is so much room for new ideas and possibilities and by putting in your own thoughts, you can actually contribute to that!"
During the last year of his degree, Nathan set up his own renewable energy business- Micro Energy Ltd- and carried on to graduate with a first class degree in July 2006; one of the first eight UK graduates ever to achieve a degree in Renewable Energy.
Basing his business in Cornwall was a key decision for Nathan, "Cornwall is a huge growth area, because there's already a great awareness of green issues and a commitment to achieving local targets for sustainability- it really is an ideal place to start a business like this".
Since graduating, Nathan has been researching and refining his business plan. Micro Energy Ltd will launch publicly in February 2007 and specialise in installing small scale, on-site energy generation systems utilising solar, ground source and wind power. Customers will range from individual homeowners, smallholdings and farms to community projects and eventually larger commercial interests- each having different requirements that will be evaluated and fulfilled with their own individual energy solutions.
Nathan has recognised that the demand for renewable energy is growing out of all proportion to supply, particularly with the increasing introduction of building regulations which require the achievement of specific renewable energy ratings. His vision is for Micro Energy Ltd to provide energy solutions within this ever expanding market- bringing professionalism to the industry and confidence for its consumers.
Cornwall is already nurturing a healthy awareness of green issues and a willingness to protect its unique environment. With the knowledge and specialism of graduates such as Nathan creating new innovations and energy solutions, not only is the county's economy likely to benefit, but it could also enable the changes needed to achieve a sustainable way of life that will lead the way for others to follow.
http://www.micro-energy.co.uk
mailto:nathan@micro-energy.co.uk
