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 NEWSLETTER | China | CHINA MONTHLY ENERGY UPDATE | Coal/electricity/electrification | Critical minerals | CRITICAL MINERALS SERIES 2022-23 | Decarbonisation | Energy Crisis | Finance Sector & Emissions | Green Iron | Hydrogen | India & Adani | Nuclear | Podcasts | Solar | Submissions | Taxes & subsidies | US IRA/ NZIA et al |
Webinar: Energy Trends 2026 – Caught in the crosswinds
Grid Beyond Webinar | Recorded February 2, 2026 How can electricity systems adapt to climate risk while accelerating decarbonisation? In […] Read more
Media
AER AGL Aluminium Batteries Battery Budget BYD CATL CBAM China Coal Critical minerals Decarbonisation Diesel DMO Election Electric Vehicle Electricity/electrification electrostate Energy crisis Federal Election Finance Sector & Emissions Gas Green Iron/Steel Hydrogen India & Adani Methane Nuclear offshore wind Oil OP EDS Peter Dutton Podcasts Renewables Solar Tariff Taxes and subsidies US IRA/EU NZIA et al Wind
China coal plant building surges despite record renewable energy additions
The Straits Times
China is expanding coal power despite record renewable investments to meet energy needs and ensure energy security after 2022’s shortages. New coal projects reached 161GW in 2025, with 291GW in the pipeline, potentially leading to underused plants and stranded assets. Experts recommend flexible coal plant dispatch and offline reserves to boost renewables, warning the 15th FYP must reset coal’s role. Read more
OP ED | Australian renewables exceed 50% of power supply in Q4
PV Magazine
Renewable generation supplied more than half of Australia’s electricity in the fourth quarter of 2025, driving wholesale power prices down by nearly 50% and coinciding with record battery output, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). Coal-fired generation fell 4.6% year on year to a record quarterly low, while gas-fired output dropped 27% to its lowest level in 25 years. Read more
PODCAST | Tim & Grant McDowell on Spark Club: Setting the Stage for 2026
Spark Club Podcast
Big themes 2026 – From Grant McDowell In 2025 we discussed the rise and rise of China. In 2026 I think we’ll see the rise and rise of the middle powers. New world disorder is opening up opportunities for China to collaborate with the middle powers, and beyond. China has learned from the mistakes of the Belt Road Initiative and seeking to collaborate. China’s EVs are displacing over one million barrels of oil demand a day. The middle powers are moving from molecules to electrons for clean electricity and transport. Middle powers are tired of being lumbered with decades long expensive fossil generators are now leaning into many small and cheap. See Ethiopia’s ban on petrol and diesel vehicle imports. Carbon trajectory – EU CBAM helps set a new market for world trade and carbon polluting countries. So once again we’ll be following the work of Ember and Lauri Myllyirta. And our conversations will naturally include Australia. I’ll be watching our energy transformation closely as we face a chicken and egg problem. As coal generation is extended investors are reluctant to back utility scale wind and solar projects. Which then allows the coal generation to extend. Utility scale batteries will play a role, however wind generation is key and every effort should be made to deploy, deploy, deploy. Read more
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