We conduct public interest financial analysis on the most profound economic transformation since the industrial revolution: the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.
About
Climate Energy Finance (CEF) is a think tank established in 2022 that works probono in the public interest to accelerate decarbonisation. We conduct research and analyses on global financial issues related to the global energy transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, as well as the implications for the Australian economy, with a key focus on the threats and opportunities for Australian investments and exports. Read more
Our Work
AGL | CEF NEWS UPDATES | CEF SERIES ON CRITICAL MINERALS | China | Coal/electricity/electrification | Critical minerals | Decarbonisation | Energy Crisis | Finance Sector & Emissions | Green Iron | Hydrogen | India & Adani | Monthly China Energy Updates | Nuclear | Submissions | Taxes & subsidies | US IRA/ NZIA et al |
PRESENTATION | Tim talks at Engineers Australia
Tim’s presentation at Engineers Australia on April 3 focused on China’s dominance in cleantech, particularly in solar and electric vehicles, and how it is rapidly decarbonizing. He also discussed global responses to China’s leadership and Australia’s efforts to adapt, including transitioning to renewable energy and decarbonizing its electricity system. Tim concluded by highlighting both the economic threats and strategic opportunities that China’s rise presents for Australia. Read more
PRESENTATION | SPREE Seminar at UNSW
China is leading a global energy system transformation, driven by solar power and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). In 2024, renewables accounted for 92.5% of global capacity additions, with ongoing deflation and technological advancements in solar and BESS fueling continued growth. China dominates cleantech manufacturing, research, development, domestic installations, exports, and foreign investments. It also leads the world in firmed renewable energy, adding a remarkable 375GW of zero-emissions capacity in 2024. Read more
CEF NEWS UDPATE | April 2025
ELECTION LOOMS AS GREEN METALS GET MASSIVE BUDGET BOOST; MORE GAS-LIGHTING FROM LNP Read more
OP ED ON REPORT | Australia should hitch its solar wagon to the China juggernaut
Climate Energy Finance’s new report, International Solar PV and BESS Manufacturing Trends, has delved into developments across China, the European Union, the United States, India, Australia, and the Middle East through early 2025. CEF observes continued price deflation in solar PV and batteries – prices dropped 20% for batteries, and Chinese panels plummeted by 37 to 46% in 2024. This cost reduction has turbocharged deployment rates, with almost 600GW of solar PV installed in 2024. Assuming continued growth in China deployments, 700GW this year seems likely, and CEF projects this will rise to 1,000GW per annum by 2030. BESS installation rates are expected to treble in this timeframe. With solar modules and battery manufacturing capacity at three times the current global installations, expectations of plateauing installations are entirely unlikely. Read more
Media
AGL Batteries Battery China Coal Critical minerals Decarbonisation Electric Vehicle Electricity/electrification Energy crisis Finance Sector & Emissions gas Green Iron/Steel Hydrogen India & Adani Nuclear offshore wind OP EDS Renewables Solar Taxes and subsidies TIM BUCKLEY ON THE SPARK CLUB PODCAST US IRA/EU NZIA et al Wind
Behind China’s shift to developing countries
The Straits Times
Chinese companies are finding these host countries, including Indonesia, happy to accept their know-how in clean tech – along with investments and factories that create local jobs and tax revenue – and the help in transitioning from fossil fuels. “It’s a win for the recipient countries, because they are getting factories, wind farms, solar farms, batteries and real jobs. A lot of them are getting research and development centres as well,” said Mr Tim Buckley, director of Sydney-based think-tank Climate Energy Finance (CEF). Read more
OP ED | Australia should hitch its solar wagon to the China juggernaut
Renew Economy
CEF observes continued price deflation in solar PV and batteries – prices dropped 20% for batteries, and Chinese panels plummeted by 37 to 46% in 2024. This cost reduction has turbocharged deployment rates, with almost 600GW of solar PV installed in 2024. Assuming continued growth in China deployments, 700GW this year seems likely, and CEF projects this will rise to 1,000GW per annum by 2030. BESS installation rates are expected to treble in this timeframe. With solar modules and battery manufacturing capacity at three times the current global installations, expectations of plateauing installations are entirely unlikely. Read more
‘Devil in the detail’ with Coalition’s ‘National Gas Plan’
ABC Radio National Breakfast
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has used his budget reply to unveil a “National Gas Plan”, which he says will prioritise domestic supply of gas and reduce energy bills for Australians. If elected, Mr Dutton says the Coalition government’s plan will include fast-tracking new gas projects. But the Founder and Director of think-tank, Climate Energy Finance, says the “devil will be in the detail” with the proposal. Read more
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