CH4 Global’s EcoParks focused on gigatonne greenhouse gas emissions
Eyre Peninsula EcoPark leading biotech innovation
Methane from livestock accounts for about 12% of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Tackling this has become a priority for the agricultural and climate sectors alike.
One of the most innovative and promising solutions has come from Louth Bay on the Eyre Peninsula, where CH4 Global has developed a breakthrough approach using Asparagopsis, a native red seaweed that dramatically reduces entric methane emissions when added to livestock feed.
In early 2025, CH4 Global opened the world’s first commercial-scale Asparagopsis cultivation facility in Louth Bay. The EcoPark facility includes growing ponds, research and development facilities, a seedling hatchery and harvesting and drying technologies.
Scalability and sustainability key to commercialisation
This facility marks a global milestone in climate technology, using a proprietary land-based aquaculture system that allows for sustainable, scalable production of the seaweed. This system significantly reduces production costs and is more sustainable compared to traditional ocean farming, making the solution more accessible for widespread agricultural use.
Scientific trials have demonstrated that adding just a small amount of Asparagopsis to cattle feed can reduce methane emissions by up to 90%. Scientific results are being replicated in real life feedlot feedlot environments. Importantly, this had no negative effect on meat quality or animal health.
The innovation has attracted global attention, positioning CH4 Global as a leader in methane-reduction biotechnology. The company has been recognised in international forums and publications and was recently shortlisted for several global sustainability and climate innovation awards. Its work aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those targeting climate action and sustainable agriculture.
The economic and environmental implications of this innovation are significant. Not only does it offer a powerful tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, but it also opens up a new sustainable industry in regional Australia. Farmers using the supplement report improvements in feed conversion ratios and weight gain, offering both environmental and economic benefits. Additionally, this solution positions Australian beef and dairy producers to meet increasing international demand for low-carbon food products.
Initial data also indicated that the emission reductions from CH4 Global’s solution are larger than the footprint required for production, making this a carbon negative solution.
Collaboration delivering results for organisations, industries and regional communities as well as climate change
Contributing to CH4 Global’s success is its collaboration with industry and government, including the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA). SARDI has conducted essential research into Asparagopsis cultivation, including hatchery technology, physiology, environmental impacts, aquaculture biosecurity, and grow out trials.
CH4 Global’s work exemplifies how targeted research, government support, and commercial innovation can combine to address one of agriculture’s toughest climate challenges. As the company scales up production, its influence is already reaching international markets, with interest from North and South America, Europe, and Asia. South Australia, stands at the forefront of this global climate solution – demonstrating how local action can drive global change.