South Pole expands emissions reduction project team to harness Australian carbon opportunities

Project sites in Queensland's Cape York Peninsula

Leading project developer and global climate solutions provider South Pole has expanded its Australian project development team to harness unique local opportunities and growing demand for Australian carbon credits.

Joining Head of Climate Action Thomas Schroder and Portfolio Manager Rhyannon Galea, are Senior Project Coordinator Lorena Vazquez, environmental scientist and former Landcare Australia liaison, and Sourcing Manager Jeffrey Castellas, a carbon markets veteran who has developed numerous emissions reduction projects both in Australia and in Canada.

John Davis, South Pole Commercial Director APAC, commented:

“Australia has a great opportunity to reduce its emissions and to act as a global carbon sink with nature-based solutions - think blue carbon, our beautiful coastlines and vast natural spaces. We want to work with communities, landowners and non-profits to identify and optimise these opportunities for their economic and social benefit and to support the global fight against climate change. With corporate climate action increasing and Australian companies keen to invest in Australian projects, we expect to see significant growth in the local carbon market."

“We are proud to welcome Lorena and Jeffrey, who bring their expertise to our local team, supported by our 300-strong global projects division. With our on-the-ground project experience, carbon markets expertise and strong relationships with the Clean Energy Regulator, we are well-placed to work with new or established projects across Australia," John added.

With an existing portfolio of five projects locally and a team of respected industry experts based in its two Australian offices, South Pole is taking a leading position in the growing emission reductions project development space. The company currently operates a portfolio of land-based projects, mainly in savanna burning and beef cattle herd management. It is also looking at industrial projects, building on its global track record in energy efficiency and other industrial methods.

South Pole Australia is seeking expressions of interest to develop emission reductions projects or owners of existing projects in Australia.

Despite COVID-19, corporate climate action in Australia and globally continues apace and, in some cases, is even accelerating. In our recent blog post, we've summarised 2020's key commitments to inspire your business to take the next step on your climate journey in 2021.