Wind farm with beautiful sunset by the water

We conduct public interest financial analysis on the most profound economic transformation since the industrial revolution: the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.

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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

Presentations |  |  May 16, 2025

PRESENTATION | The Global Energy System Transformation at UTS Finance Honours

Tim was invited to present at UTS Finance Honours and discussed topics such as China’s electrification of everything, cleantech investment dominance, new energy vehicles and BESS, and Australia’s green iron industry, among others. The Honours session, held at UTS Business School, requires no preparation and is a relaxed conversation with our honours students, focusing on your extensive experience, insights into various areas of the finance sector, and potentially offering some advice. Read more

Events |  |  May 12, 2025

TEDxSydney

TEDxSydney 2025: Three HorizonsMay 9, City Recital Hall, Sydney For our second session on Friday, our speakers and performers took […] Read more

Events |  |  May 12, 2025

Caroline speaks at ACBC Victoria 

ACBC Victoria was delighted to host our first Business Frontiers roundtable on April 29, focusing on the Energy & Resources […] Read more

Events |  |  May 9, 2025

Tim speaks at Smart Energy Council Perth Forum

From Smart Energy Council LinkedIn: This week, we hosted what we believe is a landmark discussion in our region’s energy […] Read more

Media

Media Releases  |  May 15, 2025

Why China’s cash-rich battery king needs a blockbuster share sale

The Financial Times

However, Tim Buckley, director of Climate Energy Finance, a Sydney think-tank, noted that few Chinese cleantech companies would be as attractive to international investors. “CATL is an exception; even as they’ve delivered very strong growth, they’ve also delivered good profit margins,” he said, adding: “For the solar, wind and lithium companies . . . profit is one of the least important drivers.” Read more

CEF in the media  |  May 14, 2025

Consumers want to get off gas but there’s a mighty battle under way

Fifth Estate

Tim Buckley was not impressed. After a scandalous article appeared in the financial press citing the Clean Energy Council’s apparent embrace of methane gas as a “transition fuel” Buckley, who bows to no fossil fuellers and is one of the transition industry’s most respected commentators, called it “bizarre”. Methane does play an important role in electricity system firming, but its role is small and declining, and the battery disruption will only accelerate this ongoing decline. Read more

CEF in the media  |  May 12, 2025

How Xi sparked China’s electricity revolution

The Financial Times

According to corporate announcements and financial statements compiled by Climate Energy Finance, a Sydney-based research group, Chinese companies have, since the start of 2023, committed $156bn in outbound foreign direct investment across more than 200 clean technology transactions. This effort is expanding Beijing’s political and economic influence globally just as the Trump administration pursues a hard decoupling from Chinese supply chains and roils global trade Read more

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