Irish energy consultant Galetech is expanding into Australia

Cavan-based renewable energy consultancy Galetech will expand into Australia with the support of Enterprise Ireland.

The company has already attracted several Australian clients who want to do more for renewable energy and environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, it said on Wednesday.

Customers are focused on the mining, oil and gas, and agriculture sectors.

Mining customers include Bellevue Gold, a gold miner aiming to achieve 100 percent net-zero emissions by 2026, and publicly traded manganese miner Firebird Metals.

The company sees an opportunity after last week’s Australian election put the Labor Party in power with a renewable energy ticket and a commitment to cut carbon emissions by 43 per cent by 2030

Galetech Australia will be based in Perth on the West Coast and “aims to grow and expand rapidly,” the company said. The next step is to enter the Southeast Asian market.

The Galetech Group was founded in 2000 and currently employs 120 people in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and South Africa.

Existing customers include GE Renewable Energy, Storm Renewables Belgium, Neoen and Orsted. Galetech has delivered 495 megawatts (MW) of wind projects and has 615 MW in the pipeline.

Louth-based Dermot Costello, who is set to lead Galetech Australia, said the Australian market presented an “excellent opportunity” for the group.

“We are committed to being different and providing exciting core capabilities such as behind the meter, microgrids and integrated hybrid renewable energy solutions to customers with high energy consumption such as mining and agribusiness.

“This is a positive step for Galetech Group’s continued growth as we look to expand further in the region.”

Mr. Costello has over 20 years of experience in the renewable energy space, including with Australian utility GenusPlus and the country’s Clean Energy Council.

Kim Gilbert O’Dowd, a senior market adviser for Enterprise Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, said Australian companies should “stay ahead of any legislation or demand mandatory reporting” of their environmental performance.

“Working with Irish companies who already have this experience from working with European clients is a serious competitive advantage for Australian companies.

“We are very pleased to welcome Galetech to Australia and for the expertise and experience they will bring not only to the local market but throughout the Asia Pacific region.”