Ian Crummack has over three decades hands-on experience in Energy from Waste and biomass, which includes pyrolysis, gasification, combustion and all associated forms of heat recovery and energy generation. He has extensive understanding of the specification, design, construction, commissioning and operation of thermal power plants, using many different contract forms and finance packages.

As founder and CEO of Cobalt Energy, he has led the optimisation, management, and turnaround of multiple biomass and EfW facilities. Ian has expertise in combustion engineering, operational troubleshooting, and thermal technology enhancement. He has delivered performance improvements and cost reductions across numerous facilities, through strategic maintenance, root cause analysis (RCA)-led remediation projects, and operational restructuring.

Ian’s experience spans EPC and EPCM leadership, technical and investment due diligence, and the creation and scaling of high-performing O&M divisions. He has delivered industrial energy solutions for sectors such as animal rendering, chemicals, food manufacturing, and distilling. His strengths include technology introduction, site engineering studies (HAZID, HAZOP, FMEA), complex stakeholder engagement and trade union negotiations, making him a well-rounded expert in thermal and industrial energy infrastructure.

Ian has also acted as an Independent Expert Technical Witness and as a Joint Expert on numerous occasions and has been cross-examined on evidence presented to a Court (in the case of litigation) and a Tribunal (in the case of Arbitration). These technical assignments have been for thermal treatment and power plants using waste or biomass type fuels.