
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 | 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
TEDxSydney
TEDxSydney 2025: Three HorizonsMay 9, City Recital Hall, Sydney For our second session on Friday, our speakers and performers took […] Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
Sign up for updates
Sign up to receive occasional updates on major climate and energy finance news and developments, and notification of new reports, presentations and resources.
"*" indicates required fields
Read our privacy statement here.