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CEF’s news report shows that a green capital tsunami of investments from China into cleantech around the world is speeding decarbonisation, but Australia, with its opaque foreign investment regime, is missing out, as investment hit a multidecade low last year, forgoing its massive opportunity to co-invest with China in clean energy-powered onshore value-adding, including green iron. Read more

In a landmark for accelerating electrification and decarbonisation of the Pilbara, Australia’s resources engine room, the WA Government’s Pilbara Energy Transition (PET) Plan has announced the development of priority common user infrastructure (CUI) corridors in the region. Read more

The iron ore slump means Australia must pivot at speed and scale to its immense opportunities in green iron, which requires action on decarbonisation. BHP, we’re looking at you. Read more

CEF advocates for a $50m per group per annum cap to the diesel fuel subsidy, and for all tax receipts to be returned to the mining firms impacted if they are reinvested in deployment of electric vehicles (EV) and the enabling renewable energy infrastructure. This cap would limit this reduced subsidy to eight of the largest mining firms in the world, turning a headwind to decarbonisation into a tailwind, and therefore aligning with Australia’s national interests in terms of improved energy security and acting in alignment with the climate science. Read more

Tim Buckley analyses the latest AEMO ESOO, which shows no reliability gap out to 2034 – if all planned replacement capacity projects are delivered on time. Time for state governments to accelerate approvals and strategic public interest investment into firmed renewables in line with the federal 82% renewables by 2030 target, and lock in low-cost, clean reliable supply to ameliorate the climate, energy and cost of living crises. Read more

An analysis of current energy demand in the Pilbara, and the need for common user electricity infrastructure to accelerate electrification and decarbonisation at speed and scale, leveraging Australia’s opportunity to lead globally on zero-emissions value-added industries of the future. Read more

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During the first 6 months of CY2024, China installed a total of 152.8GW of new capacity additions, a 14% y-o-y increase. 134.5GW or 88% were zero emissions capacity, a 25% y-o-y increase. Although China’s thermal new additions during the first 6 months of CY2024 show a decline, CEF believes for China to reach its ‘dual carbon’ targets – peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 – it needs to cease new thermal expansion as early as possible, even noting its orientation to new low utilisation, flexible coal plants. Read more

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Climate Energy Finance (CEF) sees an urgent imperative for the Federal Government to establish the policy and budget support to accelerate the development of a competitive Australian green metals industry by investing a minimum of an additional $10-30bn capital and direct budget support in the 2024-25 Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), building on Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ $22bn budget support provided in May 2024, and the $40-45bn of capital support established in May 2023 (via the NRF, NAIF, EFA, CEFC, ARENA). Read more

China will achieve its 1,200GW wind and solar installed capacity by 2030 target by end July 2024, six years ahead of schedule. 103.5GW of zero-emissions capacity was added during the first 5 months of CY2024, as thermal power additions declined by 45% y-o-y as the end of May CY2024 notwithstanding a still exceptionally strong +6.9% y-o-y YTD2024 increase in electricity demand. Read more

Australia and China’s improving diplomatic relationship, highlighted by recent high-level meetings and record trade, presents significant opportunities for green energy collaboration. With China facing overcapacity in solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles, Australia stands to benefit from redirected Chinese investments. By leveraging its abundant renewable resources and enhancing critical mineral processing, Australia can become a more appealing supplier, particularly in the wake of global trade tensions. Read more