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 |
OP ED | Foreign investors need clarity on the rules for inbound investment into Australia
Australia’s FMIA can unlock >$500bn of new investment in Australia across energy infrastructure (grid T&D), solar, wind, PHS, BESS and V2G charging) and value-added our key mining exports (e.g. green iron, rare earths & lithium hydroxide refining), as well as providing zero emissions lower cost domestic clean energy to power our downstream industries, like Rio Tinto’s public-private multibillion dollar investment proposals to pivot to green aluminium value-add across Australasia. Read more
OP ED | The gas export industry continues to cry wolf about always looming shortages, but this isn’t supported by the facts
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)’s recent 4QCY2024 Quarterly Energy Dynamics (QED) report gives some much needed context. AEMO highlighted 84% of East Australian gas production is exported. This highlights that, not withstanding a tripling of gas production over the last decade, there is a totally contrived domestic market shortage, designed to keep East Australian industry & consumers paying export price parity and beyond for this public Australian asset now captured and being exploited by multinationals, mostly corporate tax free. Read more
PRESENTATION to ACCR & Swedish Investors | Decarbonising Global Steel Supply Chains
Australia represents both a significant economic challenge and a major strategic opportunity, provided we can address critical obstacles in technology, pricing signals, and value-added solutions. Meanwhile, China’s leadership in global cleantech has yet to fully materialize within the steel sector. Read more
SUBMISSION | Senate Inquiry into Hydrogen and Critical Minerals Production Tax Credits in the Future Made in Australia Legislation
CEF’s submission to Senate Economics Legislation Committee Inquiry into The Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Bill 2024 [Provisions]. The submission was written by CEF’s Matt Pollard. CEF has published the submission following the public release by the Senate on 13 January 2025. Read more
Media
AGL China Coal Critical minerals Decarbonisation Electricity/electrification Energy crisis Finance Sector & Emissions Green Iron/Steel Hydrogen India & Adani Nuclear offshore wind OP EDS Renewables Taxes and subsidies TIM BUCKLEY ON THE SPARK CLUB PODCAST US IRA/EU NZIA et al
In the US-China battle for critical minerals, where will Australia stand?
South China Morning Post
For Beijing, there is a persistent worry that Chinese companies could find themselves shut out of the Australian market as business and economic matters increasingly become entangled with security issues. And those concerns intensified on Tuesday, after Albanese and Trump spoke about the possibility of the US granting Australia an exemption to its newly announced 25% tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium. Read more
OP ED | The gas export industry continues to cry wolf about always looming shortages, but this isn’t supported by the facts
Energy News Bulletin
Woodside Energy’s CEO Meg O’Neill sounded a self-serving alarm last week about the risks for Australia of the US’s new administration’s “drill baby drill” mantra, concluding that the ever-looming east coast gas supply shortage demands urgent government actions to accelerate gas exploration and development. Read more
RADIO INTERVIEW | EnergyAustralia on Australian energy transformation
Gippsland FM
Australia’s energy transition is progressing well, with renewable energy accounting for 46% of total energy by the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). This places us more than halfway to our target of 82% renewable energy by 2030, with six years to go. Read more
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