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 | Podcasts | Submissions | Taxes & subsidies | US IRA/ NZIA et al |
PRESENTATION | Tim speaks at Sustainable Population Australia
CEF drives action based on climate science. In 2024, renewables met 75% of electricity demand growth, led by solar. Electrification is accelerating, driven by EVs, data centers, and heat pumps. China leads in renewables and electrification, with strong 2025 momentum in NEVs and BESS. Read more
REPORT | LNP nuclear policy will cost the Australian economy at least $4.3 trillion by 2050
To date, both the Coalition’s and the Government’s estimates of the price tag of building a nuclear industry in Australia restrict their analyses largely to costs incurred in the energy system itself. However, a redirection from a Step Change to a Nuclear Progressive Change energy scenario would, by necessity, impose many further flow-on costs to the Australian economy that are unaccounted for by the Frontier Economics modelling. Read more
Renew Australia for All REPORT | Nuclear energy risks an industrial meltdown for local manufacturing jobs
The Federal Opposition’s proposal for nuclear energy would result in widespread manufacturing and industry job losses if enacted, including the almost certain closure of Australia’s mainland aluminium smelters by 2030. Energy modelling conducted by the Federal Opposition to inform their nuclear policy shows that under the proposal, industrial electricity use would collapse from the current level of 45.4 TWh per year down to 22.8 TWh by as early as 2035 – a 50% drop Read more
Media
AGL Aluminium Batteries Battery Budget BYD China Coal Critical minerals Decarbonisation Election Electric Vehicle Electricity/electrification Energy crisis Federal Election Finance Sector & Emissions gas Green Iron/Steel Hydrogen India & Adani Nuclear offshore wind OP EDS Peter Dutton Podcasts Renewables Solar Taxes and subsidies US IRA/EU NZIA et al Wind
INTERVIEW | The real cost of nuclear on ausbiz
AusBiz
Tim points out that nuclear energy’s capital costs are underestimated, with real expenses potentially 300% higher. The modelling excludes major post-2050 costs, painting an unrealistic picture. Tim suggests the shift to renewable energy would be more economical. Read more
INTERVIEW | Tim on 2HD Newcastle radio station on underestimated nuclear power costs
2HD
Nuclear power would lead to higher energy costs and more carbon pollution. Tim Buckley mentioned the true cost is much higher than claimed, as 90% of construction expenses occur after 2050 and are left out of the $331 billion estimate used in the LNP’s plan. Read more
Littleproud defends nuclear energy plan
ABC Radio National PM
Nationals leader David Littleproud defended the Coalition’s nuclear energy plan in a speech at the National Press Club, claiming it offers a cheaper and more reliable zero-emissions solution than the government’s renewable-focused strategy. Tim Buckley’s analysis suggests the nuclear plan could cost Australia $4.3 trillion more over 25 years compared to the government’s renewable energy strategy. Read more
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