Osvaldo Mauro-Hun
Osvaldo Mauro-Hun is Chief Executive of Rose Energy. Osvaldo was born in Antofagasta, a main harbour city in the mining region in the north of Chile. During his first few years he travelled the length of the country – some 3,000 km – with his family, who then established their home in the capital city Santiago, where Osvaldo attended school from the age of five.
Following his secondary education he travelled to the UK to attend Loughbrough University, where he completed both bachelor and masters degrees in chemical engineering. During his career he has worked in the coal, electrical carbon, chemical, steel and renewable energy industries. Before joining Rose Energy, he was Operations Director and Business Development Director for Energy Power Resources (EPR) based in Norfolk.
How did you get started in business?
I joined the UK’s National Coal Board as part of their trainee management programme, and for two years I travelled from one end of the country to the other, gaining exposure to all aspects of their operations and the entire business. At the time the coal industry was going through significant changes as it adapted to the new business realities of the 80s. It was an excellent learning ground, which certainly taught me the need for industry and business to adapt in order to compete in a very challenging environment.
What has been the most challenging part of running energy- from-waste plants?
Energy-from-waste plants are run by a small number of highly skilled and dedicated individuals. Their task is to provide electrical power to clients who are miles away, unaware of the complex logistical infrastructure that allows electricity to reach their homes and places of work.
In common with other services to the community, like hospitals and the police, power stations need to operate for 24 hours every day of the year. That requires a team that works together, planning ahead so that all eventualities are planned for and considered in advance. Forming such a team, coaching every individual, encouraging their development and balancing their skills and aspirations is the most challenging task we are faced with as managers.
What is the most satisfying aspect?
Being involved with major projects from the outset brings you into contact with hundreds of people, some of whom can have very negative views of our proposals. As the project progresses over months and years, opinions change and business and communities recognise the value in working together. Becoming a valuable member of the community always remains our aim, and to achieve it is the most satisfying aspect of our business.
How do you find doing business in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland is going through one of the most exciting times in its history. The creation of the Northern Ireland Executive and its Assembly has opened up not only a new chapter in political life but has given the opportunity to all individuals and industry to develop in the security of a new political consensus. I come from a small country not dissimilar to Northern Ireland which had to adapt very quickly to compete worldwide.
Fifty years ago Chilean wine was scarcely known outside the country. Today there is no restaurant in the world that does not offer one or two different brands. Northern Ireland has a very strong agri-food industry, and in supporting it through Rose Energy, it can also place itself at the forefront of the renewable energy sector. I believe this project has an important role to play in helping Northern Ireland to develop a more secure energy future, and I find it exciting to be part of that.
In what way do you think the local planning system can be improved?
Like any other developer, I would like to see a much faster and efficient system that would allow decisions to be taken promptly. When I speak about the planning system I am referring not only to the Planning Service, but also to all other governmental departments, institutions and individuals that act as consultees. A more efficient system would enable enterprise to flourish whilst ensuring that applications are thoroughly reviewed in a timely manner. Northern Ireland needs to urgently grow its private sector and our public sector needs to speed up its operations to facilitate this.
What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy travelling and photography. Coming from one corner of the world has inspired me to visit all other corners. Human activity is fascinating, and to see and observe how other individuals very similar to us have found alternative ways of organising themselves and finding different solutions to their problems is certainly a never-ending story. I also like reading contemporary novels and the odd biography. In terms of sport, I watch a bit of football and Formula One motor racing. Perhaps now I should add some rugby and Gaelic football to complete my introduction to Northern Ireland.
