COMBINED ENERGY Solutions (CES Energy), a provider of energy solutions, has a proven track record in the successful design, construction and management of energy-efficient combined heat and power (CHP)/tri-generation, district heating systems and cooling solutions in Ireland, England, Europe and Australia.
Tom Marren founded the company in 2002 knowing that energy was one of the biggest growth sectors in the world and would continue to be so for the next few decades, but that the demand was possibly not sustainable.
He then looked at technologies and engineering solutions which offer energy efficiency, carbon reduction and have financial benefits.
Since its inception, CES Energy has had an international focus, drive and methodology and has expanded into the Australian market with offices in Sydney and Melbourne. In the past year the company entered the UK market, opened a London office and has secured projects in the 2012 Olympic Village.
Marren says the firm faces different challenges in each market: in Australia it is cost of finance; in the Republic project closure time; and in the UK the pace of regulatory change.
Globally, he feels the industry is challenged with delivering sustainable solutions for the growing demand. CES Energy has 35 employees and states it will continue with its investment in graduates and people to build core competencies in energy-efficient, low-carbon technology and solutions.
Products and Services
CES Energy has a team of engineers who have worked with consultants, architects, developers and contractors to deliver large-scale projects on time and within budget. The company's products include: combined heat and power, absorption, complete management and maintenance, waste to energy, tri-generation, district heating and cooling, photovoltaic, flexible finance and design build.
Customers:
Its customer base covers multiple industries including legal, financial services, hospitality, property, pharmaceutical, government and education.
Describe your progression from start up to your current status?
We started in the Irish market, but always felt that this was an international business. The Irish market was a good learning curve, but was very limited in size and growth potential. We looked at other countries which have favourable factors for our solutions and developed these markets utilising our home experience. As this is quite a dynamic industry we continue to develop new products and engineer new solutions which are complementary to our existing business.
What is your biggest business achievement?
Our first CHP project in Dublin, our first signed contract in the Oz market and our first district heating project in the UK.
What role has CSR played in your business strategy? How critical will it be in the future?
The environmental changes are a major driving factor for our business - be it regulatory, attitude or people power. These changes will accelerate in the future and will be needed to ensure our continued growth. The current energy problem needs global direction and this direction needs to be implemented at national levels, we are finding common but differently implemented national drivers in Ireland, Britain and Australia.
Has anyone acted as a mentor to you?
No, but I have always surrounded myself with good long-term professional advisers. It is very important to be able to recognise good advice, even if it's not what you want to hear.
