James Irvine

GM Future Fuels

futurefocused
James Irvine

James joined Clarus as General Manager Future Fuels in March 2022, responsible for driving development in renewable gases including hydrogen and biomethane.

James believes passionately in the key role renewable gas will have to play in decarbonising New Zealand’s energy system.

Prior to joining Clarus James spent 12 1/2 years with Shell International in The Netherlands, New Zealand and the UK working in both gas and later in renewable power development.

In his career James has held roles spanning technical, project management, strategy development, commercial and M&A. Immediately prior to joining Clarus James spent five years working to build a material renewable power business for Shell through acquisitions, investments, partnerships and organic development in Asia and Europe. This included leading Shell’s entry into onshore renewables development in the UK, growing an almost 1GW pipeline of diverse solar and battery projects in 18 months.

James is a Chartered Engineer with the UK Engineering Council and Member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (UK). James holds a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath.

James lives in Taranaki with his wife and two children.