Dermot Costello Appointed to Lead Galetech Australia
Galetech Group, the international renewable energy consultancy company, is entering the Australian energy market with the launch of Galetech Australia, having already secured several Australian clients who are committed to incorporating renewable energy and ESG considerations into their existing business models.
This entry into the complex and competitive Australian jurisdiction comes because of a market need for the diverse and comprehensive expertise that Galetech already offers across mainland Europe and South Africa to companies such as GE Renewable Energy, Storm Renewables Belgium, Neoen and Orsted.
Initial demand for Galetech consulting and product solutions has come from the Australian mining and oil & gas sectors including Firebird Metals, a manganese mine developer based in Western Australia, who has engaged Galetech to support their ESG obligations and renewable aspirations.
Firebird Metals Managing Director Peter Allen explains: “It’s refreshing and appreciated to receive practical and pragmatic advice and support from Galetech Australia. They quickly took on board our unique requirements and priorities and delivered the solutions we needed simply and effectively. I look forward to future collaboration with the team. In fact, following their work on our ESG strategy we have secured their advisory services on how we integrate renewable energy into our green ambitions. I feel confident that by working with Galetech Australia we will achieve this.”
Galetech Australia will be headed up by local expert Dermot Costello who has 20 years global and Australian renewable energy experience through his previous consultancy roles. In addition to these, Dermot has also held recent Australian roles as General Manager of Renewables at GenusPlus Group and as the Western Australian advisor to the Clean Energy Council.
As the Director of Australian operations for the Galetech Group Dermot is uniquely placed to understand and respond to client challenges through his extensive energy advisory experience locally and his drive to put ESG firmly on the agenda for clients across all sectors.
“Galetech Australia cannot be just another consultancy group offering the same type of services as everyone else in the space,” says Dermot. “At Galetech Australia we are committed to being different and bringing out exciting core expertise such as behind-the-meter, microgrid, and renewable energy integrated hybrid solutions to high energy consumption clients such as mining and agribusiness.
“Our proven expertise and the company’s history, reputation and vast project portfolio has been very well received and has indeed captured the imagination of our Australian clients in understanding what they can achieve”.
As an additional indication of the businesses commitment to make an impact in the Australian Market, Galetech has also appointed Sarah Bartley as their Global ESG lead. Sarah brings with her almost 20 years of energy and ESG focussed experience and will be tasked with leading the groups ESG service across all the groups existing business units. As with all other Galetech businesses there is a commitment to make the client feel that Galetech is their trusted inhouse advisor, assisting companies to navigate environmental, social and governance reporting with a practical and bespoke approach.
Galetech will establish itself initially in Western Australia at the heart of the Australian mining and oil & gas sectors and close to some large industrial and agriculture clients. The strategic geographical location also lends itself to facilitate the company’s future growth goals as it aims to enter the Southeast Asia market on the next step on its expansion program.
Kim Gilbert O’Dowd, Senior Market Advisor, Construction, Engineering & Energy, Enterprise Ireland A/NZ who is supporting Galetech Australia in its market entry adds: “As businesses globally are facing growing momentum from investors and shareholders in favour of mandatory ESG disclosure, it’s better for Australian companies to get ahead of any legislation or call for mandatory reporting.
“Engaging with Irish companies who already have this experience from working with European clients is a serious competitive advantage for Australian businesses. We are very excited to welcome Galetech to Australia and for the expertise and experience they will bring not just in the local market but across the Asia Pacific.”
