GHD appoints trio of leaders in Australian energy practice
Professional services company GHD has made three appointments in its Energy practice, elevating Claude Morris, Helen Barbour-Bourne and Taraz Saba to energy transition-related roles.
Paul Greaney, leader of GHD’s Energy & Resources practice in Australia, said that the leadership appointments will add further depth to the firm’s energy transition offering, at a time of growing demand as Australia steps up its efforts to meet net zero targets.
“Claude, Helen and Taraz bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of energy transition and their sectors. They will work with our GHD clients wherever their projects are, tapping into our global network to keep appraised of developments abroad.”
Claude Morris has been appointed as Battery and Energy Storage Systems Leader. He has studied and successfully delivered numerous grid-connected and islanded battery and energy storage systems and hybrid projects in Australia, the UK, Jordan, Oman, across the Asia Pacific and North America over more than 16 years.
“With record levels of investment and incentives, storage continues to prove itself as the common denominator to any solution for the modern energy trilemma. GHD has an enviable track record in all things battery and energy storage systems, and I’m thrilled to support our clients and partners in meeting their truly diverse needs,” said Morris.
Helen Barbour-Bourne has been appointed as Australian Hydropower Leader. She brings extensive expertise in guiding clients through complex project milestones and de-risking strategies. Outside of GHD, she plays a pivotal role in the International Hydropower Association’s Global Working Group.
“We need to accelerate the deployment of proven long-term energy storage solutions and unlock the pipeline of pumped hydro projects to meet Australia’s net zero obligations. PHES projects currently face challenges in their business cases and development and need to be de-risked alongside stimulation of market investment,” Barbour-Bourne said.
Taraz Saba has over 26 years of experience in wind power projects, covering the full spectrum of projects around the globe from development to delivery, operation and repowering, including offshore wind farm developments in the Asia Pacific region. He has been named as Wind Generation Leader.
“Wind energy, both onshore and offshore, stands as a cornerstone of Australia’s energy transition, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing energy security and driving economic growth through sustainable employment and infrastructure. It will contribute significantly towards our efforts in achieving our NetZero targets in the next two decades,” Saba said.
