The process of combining REA and AfOR will be completed by the end of this year and will bring REA’s membership in excess of 1,000 companies and individuals for the first time.
As part of the agreement, AfOR’s managing director Jeremy Jacobs will become the REA’s technical director. AfOR’s commercial activities will move to REA’s subsidiary REAL and AfOR’s training programmes will continue.
In addition, AfOR’s technical enquiry service will continue as the REA Organic Recycling Group.
REA Chairman Martin Wright said: “I am absolutely delighted with this move which will strengthen the REA’s position as the leading trade association representing the UK’s renewables industry.
“In particular, the scientific and technical expertise of AfOR’s staff will greatly enhance the REA’s advocacy on behalf of the organic waste-to-energy sector.”
OfOR’s managing director Jeremy Jacobs said: “We chose to merge with the REA because many of our members are increasingly active in anaerobic digestion and the supply of renewable fuels. This move will therefore bring tangible benefits to existing members of both associations. In addition, our certification activity has natural synergies with the two existing biogas certification schemes run by the REA’s subsidiary REAL.”
Climate change minister Greg Barker added: “It’s good to see the REA and AfOR being brought together under one roof, bringing AFoR’s expertise on anaerobic digestion and waste management to the table. I look forward to working with the expanded REA team on anaerobic digestion and other green issues going forward.”