I recently started as a Graduate Engineer at FEC Energy and I have been quickly learning the ropes. As a baptism of fire, Tim Pratt took me with him on his trip to Kent earlier this month and it was a great, if steep, learning curve.
The first visit was with Rainbow UK to discuss how we can help handle all their energy demands so that they can spend more time in the greenhouse, doing what they do best. Rainbow UK is part of the Thanet Earth complex and is run by Pleun, a very tall Dutchman. He towered over us and said, “All I want is for both of us to be open and honest in our communication over this energy contract.” I have already learnt that this is exactly how FEC Energy does business. I found him to be quite an impressive guy and not just due to his height! We also got to talk to other operators at Thanet Earth. It was interesting, listening to them explain their business’ and learning about the technical aspects of greenhouses.
On Thursday, we headed to Chichester to meet with representatives from Vitacress Herbs and Clarke Energy to discuss the operation of their two new CHP Engines. Tim and I were taken to the CHP house to take photos of the meters, for our records, and so I could put together a guide on collecting the data we require for CHPQA compliance forms and energy analysis. We also got to see the Clarke Energy guys prepare the ‘Jules box’. This ‘box’ is set up next to the engine controls so that Tim can tell the engine what to do, based on the electricity price and the greenhouse heat demands, all the way from our office at Stoneleigh Park.
On our way home, we visited Hall Hunter and Partners, as Tim was asked to visit in order to discuss electricity and gas pricing and how FEC Energy could help them. They kindly gave us a full tour of their greenhouses and it was great for me, as listening to Tim talk allowed me to learn how we pitch our company to others and how the energy markets work.
Taking a field trip like this has really helped me to get a better understanding of FEC Energy, what my role is within the company and the sort of aims and goals I should be setting myself as an energy consultant engineer. Also, spending hours in the car with Tim gave me plenty of time to pick his brain and try to get a better understanding of the UK energy world.