Chairman of CO2CRC, Martin Ferguson AM, has announced that David Byers will step down as chief executive on July 31, 2021.
Mr Ferguson said David has led CO2CRC since July 2018 and following a long career in the broader resources sector, has decided to retire from full-time work.
“The board thanks David for his leadership of CO2CRC and his overall contribution to its success over the past three years, including the significant growth we have seen in the organisation’s membership,” Mr Ferguson said.
“I also recognise David’s role in building wider acceptance of carbon capture and storage as an attractive low emissions technology option for Australia.”
Related article: New Deputy PM casts doubt over 2050 net zero emissions
Mr Byers said that it had been a great privilege to have led CO2CRC through a period of great change.
“I thank Martin and the Board for their support and guidance over the past three years as we have reshaped the organisation’s business model, establishing CO2Tech to provide carbon capture and storage services to industry to complement CO2CRC’s traditional collaborative research model,” he said.
“The successful completion of a major expansion of infrastructure at the Otway International Test Centre earlier this year was a major achievement and is a tribute to the efforts of CO2CRC’s talented and dedicated staff. I am confident the organisation is well placed to ‘surf’ the wave of renewed national interest in carbon capture and storage to greater success,” he said.
Related article: Survey shows record levels of energy consumer satisfaction
Mr Ferguson announced that Dr Matthias Raab, currently Chief Operating Officer (COO), would be appointed chief executive, with effect from August 1, 2021. David and Matthias will work together through an extended handover period to ensure a smooth transition.
“Matthias is well placed to lead CO2CRC through its next phase of growth. His career has spanned academia, government, industry and the not-for-profit sectors and he is recognised internationally as an expert in carbon capture and storage,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Matthias has served as COO for the past six years, driving the CO2CRC research agenda and representing Australia on the International Energy Agency’s Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme.
“I look forward to Matthias taking the helm of CO2CRC and building on the organisation’s recent successes.”
