Critical minerals: A year in review and 2025 opportunities
Australia’s critical minerals sector has been transformed in 2024 by regulatory overhauls, strategic funding initiatives, and shifting global priorities. Critical energy transition minerals (CETMs) have emerged as the linchpin of the energy transition. Australia, endowed with vast reserves of these CETMs, is positioning itself at the forefront of the global energy transition.
16 December 2024
The Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive: what to expect from the Bill
In this insight we take a close look at the CMPTI, to help businesses prepare for additional reporting obligations and potential compliance costs.
11 December 2024
Pass Go and collect your certificate – Key implications of the Guarantee of Origin Scheme
The Guarantee of Origin Scheme will encourage decarbonisation and investment in Australian industry by providing mechanisms to verify low emissions products and to certify electricity generated by renewable sources.
29 November 2024
Unlocking green energy in Vietnam: How Corporate PPAs are a game changer
The Vietnamese government has introduced Corporate PPAs in response to business demand to buy green energy directly from the source.
06 November 2024
Offshore Wind – a Game Changer for net-zero?
Offshore wind-powered electricity generation offers efficient and unobtrusive renewable energy, capable of delivering scale without the land use debates characteristic of the onshore industry.
04 November 2024
Opening the doors to international funding for Australian critical minerals
Over the past week, several positive announcements have been made for Australian listed critical minerals mining companies and critical minerals projects within Australia
03 October 2024
Uranium, the energy transition & the nuclear fuel global supply chain
In 2023, the Sapporo 5 (a strategic partnership between the United States, Canada, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom) agreed to collaborate to develop a secure and resilient global nuclear supply chain.
16 September 2024
Consumer Energy Resources: AI and automation
Consumer energy resources (CERs) are consumer-owned devices that generate, store, or manage electricity.
05 September 2024
Sustainable aviation fuel in Aussie skies? Government nods but more consultation needed
The Federal Government’s much-anticipated “Aviation White Paper – Towards 2050” landed on 26 August 2024.
03 September 2024
Leading the Charge: EV Battery Supply Chains
The strong global push to electrify the world’s vehicle population has in turn created exponential demand for the various components comprising an EV, with the most important being its energy source – the battery. The EV battery (and its supply chain) serves as the single most valuable part of an EV, typically accounting for 30% to 40% of the value of the vehicle[2]. This high cost is mainly attributed to the battery’s composition of several critical raw minerals, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel and graphite[3]. As we share below, these minerals are hard to come by and supply is concentrated in the hands of a few countries.
24 July 2024
The Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive: what to expect (and why more detail is needed)
The Federal Government's commitment to fostering a Future Made in Australia is set to introduce significant incentives for businesses engaged in the critical minerals sector.
22 July 2024
Critical Minerals - the central role of copper to AI and net zero
Artificial intelligence, in particular generative AI, is rapidly reshaping our global critical minerals landscape.
16 July 2024
Consumer Energy Resources: data and privacy
Welcome back to our 5-part series exploring the emerging opportunities and challenges associated with the uptake of CER in Australia from a tech law perspective, with a focus on privacy and data, AI and automation, cyber security and contracting to enable the transition to CER.
20 June 2024
Petroleum Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (WA)
On 14 May 2024, the Petroleum Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (WA) received Royal Assent (the Act).
19 June 2024
Critical Minerals - Funding initiatives & the 2024 Federal Budget
Following the recent announcement of the 2024 Federal Budget and the upcoming Future Made in Australia Act, the Federal Government’s end-to-end energy transition focus is clear. As highlighted in our earlier insight, Minister for Resources Madeleine King has indicated that critical minerals funding will be vital in building the foundation of the Future Made in Australia Act, which was reflected in the 2024 Federal Budget announcements.
31 May 2024
Risks of Gen AI - Energy and ESG
The vast majority of AI systems are trained and deployed on power-hungry servers housed in large data centres that use enormous amounts of electricity and water, amplifying the effects of climate change that are already being felt around the world.
23 May 2024
Federal Budget May 2024-25: Green Energy & Advanced Manufacturing
The Government has provided some details regarding its recently announced Future Made in Australia package.
14 May 2024
Future Gas Strategy – Transitioning towards net zero
On 9 May 2024, the Federal Government released the Future Gas Strategy, which will guide the Australian Government’s policymaking to support Australia’s economic transition to net zero.
14 May 2024
Commonwealth releases details on Capacity Investment Scheme in Western Australia
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has shed more light on how the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) will operate in Western Australia’s Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM), with the release of a Western Australia Design Paper (Design Paper) on 12 April 2024.
02 May 2024
Australia’s Foreign Investment Regime and Critical Minerals – “major overhaul” to be announced today by the Treasurer
As the global energy transition continues to develop, change is on the horizon. Global critical mineral supply and demand, technological development, and the clean energy transition will continue to drive investment as government and industry stakeholders look for opportunities.
01 May 2024
Accelerated planning permit application assessment for renewables projects in Victoria
Victoria’s Minister for Planning has gazetted changes which enable accelerated assessment of planning applications for renewable energy facilities, utility installations, and associated subdivisions, to unlock investment and help Victoria meet its legislated emissions reduction, renewable energy, and net zero targets.
23 April 2024
Carbon Markets Regulatory Tracker
As Australia transitions to a low-carbon economy, we see carbon markets play an increasing role to help achieve net zero ambitions. Staying on top of deadlines and developments is essential.
26 March 2024
Climate litigation review 2023: disputes heat up (no cool change ahead)
The global trend of increased climate litigation showed no signs of abating in 2023. Several new proceedings were instituted in Australia, including by regulators as they take an increasingly active approach particularly in relation to ‘greenwashing’.
21 February 2024
Carbon Farming Methods in 2024: passing the pen from Government to proponents
has held the pen when it comes to deciding what carbon farming projects can be carried out and what boxes those projects must tick under the relevant methods to be eligible.
12 February 2024
Sleeping Carbon Giant Awakes: China’s Renewed Voluntary Carbon Market is Here – What You Need to Know
The long-awaited renewal of the China Certified Emission Reductions (CCER) market is expected to drive trading activity, develop the market and spur innovation. This is a critical step towards China reaching its ‘30.60’ decarbonisation target: peak emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.
26 January 2024
New year, and a new dawn for hydrogen and renewable energy regulation in South Australia
The South Australian Government has passed an important legislative reforms for the regulation and licensing of hydrogen production and renewable energy facilities, expected to make it a ‘first mover’ among Australian State and Territory jurisdictions in 2024.
19 January 2024
Consumer Energy Resources: A tech enabled transformation
The way that energy is generated, distributed and consumed in Australia is changing and technology is a key enabler of this change.
15 December 2023
Navigating The Net Zero Transition - Regional Snapshot
In our country chapters, we look at initiatives to encourage the transition to a net zero economy – across emissions reduction targets, carbon markets, financing, transport, housing and buildings, and agriculture. Here is a brief snapshot. More detail and examples are in the country chapters.
24 November 2023
Navigating The Net Zero Transition: Spotlight on Southeast Asia, Japan and the Republic of Korea
The reality of the ground we need to cover to reach global decarbonisation targets is driving policies, investment and innovation. To do this effectively and within desired timeframes it’s critical that we embrace collaboration by working together, sharing knowledge and simply connecting people.
24 November 2023
Climate Active Reforms: dumping “carbon neutral” and getting real with direct emissions reductions
On Friday 20 October, the Commonwealth Government announced its proposed updates to the Australian Government’s Climate Active certification program.
02 November 2023
Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023: The next step in QLD’s energy transition
After four weeks of consultation on an exposure draft in June, the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023 (the Bill) was introduced to Parliament this week to enshrine the commitments from the Plan into law.
26 October 2023
The security services of spinning machines: a primer on essential system services
The National Electricity Market (NEM) is transitioning from a dependency coal to a system which will run at times entirely on renewable energy.
25 October 2023
Indonesia’s Nickel Rush – Riding the Waves of the EV Battery Revolution
Nickel is set to become one of the most important critical minerals in the net zero transition, reaching a predicted global market of almost US$60bn within 5 years. Future industry growth will be driven by the dramatic increase in demand for lithium-ion EV batteries – of which nickel is a key component. Given the exponential growth in demand, there is still a high risk that supply will fall short in the coming decade.
12 October 2023
ACCC authorises Brookfield / Origin acquisition on public benefit grounds
On 10 October 2023, the ACCC authorised Brookfield and MidOcean’s proposed acquisition of Origin Energy Limited (Origin) (Proposed Acquisition).
10 October 2023
What carbon offset strategy best suits your business?
The voluntary carbon markets present a range of opportunities for business to execute its decarbonisation strategy. Under Australia’s predominant carbon market, the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme administered by the Clean Energy Regulator, more than 13 million ACCUs were transacted in the first quarter of 2023. This is over half the number transacted in 2022, and more than the total transacted in 2020 and 2021 combined.[1]
05 September 2023
Winds of change: review of Queensland’s wind farm development requirements
On 7 August 2023 the Queensland Government initiated consultation on proposed amendments to State Code 23 (Wind Farm Code) and its associated guidelines for onshore wind farm development projects.
10 August 2023
The Safeguard Mechanism is now law – here’s your to-do list for Australia’s new carbon rules
The Federal Government has reformed the Safeguard Mechanism to put Australia’s largest industrial emitters on a pathway to net zero by 2050.
08 August 2023
Is Your Global Value Chain Sustainable? Europe’s Rules Herald New Era of Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDDD)
New rules in the EU that will force large companies to check their value chain for any negative human rights and environmental impacts have inched closer.
31 July 2023
Equitable fuel of the future? Developing the hope of hydrogen
The global appetite for cost-competitive green hydrogen has seen the US, the EU, Australia and others introduce incentives to lure investment and encourage development.
17 July 2023
Finalised gas market code comes into effect
The Competition and Consumer (Gas Market Code) Regulations was passed on 6 July 2023 (the Code).
12 July 2023
Hydrogen Headstart program: Who will the Australian Government pick as the front runner?
ARENA and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water have published a consultation paper outlining indicative specifications for the program. The consultation paper covers proposed objectives, eligibility criteria and detail regarding the proposed funding mechanism, as well as other features of the program.
07 July 2023
Considering Sustainability-linked Derivatives? What You Need to Know
The sustainable finance market is evolving at an accelerating pace. One recent trend garnering growing interest from market participants is the development of “sustainability-linked derivatives” (SLDs).
The first SLD was issued in August 2019. In under four years, based on a market survey conducted by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA), the number of banks, companies, consultants and other market participants worldwide that have engaged in SLD transactions has grown considerably.
This insight explores the key features of SLDs, and outlines some of the documentation and potential regulatory issues for market participants that are considering engaging in SLD transactions. We also set out our key tips for navigating these issues.
21 June 2023
‘World first’ hydrogen and renewable energy reform in South Australia to streamline project approvals
The Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Bill 2023 (SA) (Bill) would, if passed, be the most significant State-level reform in the renewables sector in Australia, by streamlining regulatory processes throughout the life-span of renewable energy and hydrogen production projects. [1]
08 June 2023
Exposure draft of gas market code of conduct released + price cap extended to 2025
The Federal Government has released its proposed Mandatory Code of Conduct for the East Coast Gas Market (Draft Code).
27 April 2023
Victorian Government releases second of three planned Offshore Wind Implementation Statements
In March 2023 the Victorian Government released its second Offshore Wind Implementation Statement. This announcement keeps momentum for the developing Victorian industry at a time when proponents are preparing feasibility licence applications in the Gippsland Declared Area, which are due by 27 April 2023.
27 March 2023
China's carbon markets set to expand in the Year of the Rabbit
When China’s national carbon market launched in 2021, it promised to act as a powerful tool in combatting climate change.
27 March 2023
Gas market reforms – a step too far? Australian Government proposes further reforms in its “need for intervention” in the Australian gas market
On 9 February, the Australian Government announced proposed changes to the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism (ADGSM) and requested feedback from relevant stakeholders.
08 March 2023
Declaration of Gippsland as Australia’s first offshore wind area
Offshore wind farms can now be developed in Gippsland, commencing with the feasibility licence application process, following the Commonwealth Government’s declaration of Australia’s first offshore wind area.
21 December 2022
“Need for intervention”: Federal Government releases exposure drafts on gas market instruments
The exposure drafts issued by the Federal Government reflect the establishment of a very broad regulatory framework through which the ACCC can regulate the supply and acquisition of gas.
13 December 2022
Offshore wind in Australia – further developments in regulatory framework ahead of licence applications
Development of the offshore wind sector continues in Victoria with the release of the State Government’s first Offshore Wind Implementation Statement.
22 November 2022
Hydrogen takes centre stage in Singapore’s net zero transition
The Singapore government plans to put low-carbon hydrogen at the heart of plans to accelerate its transition to a net zero economy, releasing a National Hydrogen Strategy to build capability in the space.
01 November 2022
WA Government proposes renewable Hydrogen Target: 10 days left to comment
The WA Government has released a consultation paper Renewable Hydrogen Target for Electricity Generation in the SWIS (Paper)[ ] in relation to a proposed ‘Renewable Hydrogen Target’ scheme (the Scheme).
31 October 2022
Green is the new black! Australia and Singapore trailblaze with ‘first-of-its-kind’ Green Economy Agreement
On 18 October 2022 trade ministers in Australia and Singapore signed the Green Economy Agreement (GEA).
20 October 2022
Safeguard mechanism reforms – consultation opens on draft legislation
On 10 October 2022, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) opened submissions on exposure draft legislation to reform the Safeguard Mechanism under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (Cth) (NGER Act).
12 October 2022
Queensland: A Renewable Energy Superpower
On 28 September 2022, the Queensland Government released the ‘Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan’ (Energy Plan). The $62 billion Energy Plan aims to evolve Queensland into a renewables, hydrogen and clean energy superpower.
30 September 2022
Chapter 2: Powering a net zero world
In 2020, 85% of China’s primary energy needs were met with fossil fuels and 72% in Australia. This is the base from which China and Australia must transform their energy generation and use.
14 September 2022
Chapter 3: Mining and future-facing industries
Surging demand for exports of iron ore, coal and minerals over the last three decades, much due to China’s growth, has brought significant wealth to Australia.
14 September 2022
Chapter 4: Transport and mobility
Transport is among the most emissions-heavy sectors. In 2019 the sector represented 23% of global energy-related emissions according to the 2022 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Mitigation Report.
14 September 2022
Australian Federal Government releases consultation paper on reforms of the safeguard mechanism
The Australian Federal Government’s Climate Change Bill, which incorporates Australia’s new emissions reduction targets of 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050, is well on the way to becoming law.
29 August 2022
Offshore wind areas: the first proposed declared area in Gippsland
Offshore wind farms are one step closer in Australia following an announcement from the Federal Government on Friday.
11 August 2022
China’s Carbon Markets – A Key Tool for Achieving Net Zero
The ability to monetise carbon and trade carbon credits through carbon markets is a core component of the global transition to net zero, without which global efforts to meet critical carbon reduction targets will be severely impacted.
China’s national emissions trading scheme (the National ETS) is set to become the world’s largest carbon market by both trading volume and value, and will play an important part in the global net zero transition. The National ETS began trading in July 2021 and currently operates in parallel with nine pilot schemes (each a Pilot Scheme).
China’s ability to peak emissions by 2030 and be carbon neutral by 2060 (the 30/60 strategy) relies in part on its ability to demonstrate to the world that it has the necessary infrastructure in place to maintain the integrity of the system that it has created to realise its 30/60 strategy.
03 August 2022
Bald Hills: when wind farm noise creates a nuisance
This recent decision of the Victorian Supreme Court shows that seasonal intermittent night time noise can be enough to create a nuisance.
28 April 2022
Federal Budget 2022-23: Energy & Fuel Excise Deep Dive
In our full Federal Budget Report, we reflected on the fact that Australia remains a ‘lucky’ country in having a stable political environment, vast natural resources and low unemployment. The challenge for the Government will be capitalising on those advantages and being able to smooth short term issues while still ensuring long term prosperity.
30 March 2022
CCS in Australia - a legal guide
Australia’s potential for developing carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects has been touted for some time — legislation for CCS projects has been in place in Victoria and Queensland for over a decade.
30 March 2022
National Gas Infrastructure Plan & Future Gas Infrastructure Investment Framework
These publications outline the Federal Government’s approach to ensuring that sufficient supplies of domestic gas are provided to the Australian east coast gas market. The NGIP and Investment Framework replace the interim NGIP[3] and outline specific short and long-term gas infrastructure projects that the Government may support.
07 February 2022
Trading carbon in China: a game changer
It is the island home of some of the world’s longest-living people and Wenchang chicken, a dish popular in mainland China and across south-east Asia.
17 December 2021
Offshore Electricity Bill
Written by Claire Rogers and Tim Stanton
29 November 2021
Major changes to noise regulation of wind farms in Victoria
Written by Mark Beaufoy and Bridget Phelan.
26 October 2021
Lights on for the CDR in the energy sector
This article was written by Kendra Fouracre and Cheng Lim
25 August 2021
Prospects for hydrogen in Asia Pacific
Written by Caroline Andretich, Ben Bradstreet, David Phua, Michael Lawson and Craig Rogers
02 June 2021
Green light for the onshore Victorian conventional gas industry
This article was written by Scott Langford, Dominic Townsend and Luci Kjar-Crutterden
27 April 2021
South Australian planning reforms now in full force
This article is written by Tom Crompton and Mark Beaufoy.
25 March 2021
Opportunities in hydrogen
This article was written by Roderick Smythe, Josh Thorneycroft, Maclean Greedy and Rachael Li.
22 December 2020
Australia, Japan hydrogen cooperation agreement offers glimpse of industry potential
This article was written by Louis Chiam, Lachlan Fahey and Anthony Di Gregorio.
28 January 2020
They’re back. ‘Big stick’ electricity laws re-introduced
This article was written by Simon Cooke.
20 September 2019
Hydrogen – energy of the future?
This article was written by Louis Chiam, Annabel Griffin and Lachlan Fahey.
20 August 2019
Taking charge: Federal Government releases consultation paper for CCA amendments targeting the electricity sector
The Federal Government's recent focus on energy markets – and electricity pricing in particular – continued yesterday with the release of a consultation paper detailing changes it is proposing to introduce into the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) (CCA) that are aimed specifically at electricity market participants, particularly retailers and generators.
25 October 2018
AEMC proposes changes for generators seeking to connect to the national electricity grid
The AEMC is currently considering implementing a rule change that proposes "a flexible approach to setting standards that enables targeted, least-cost ways of connecting new generators". The rule change amends:
21 June 2018
NEG – a key step forward but many more to come
This article was written by Vishal Ahuja, Cal Maher and Estelle Petrie.
26 April 2018
10 things to look out for in the National Energy Guarantee announcement
This article was written by Louis Chiam and Estelle Petrie.
19 April 2018
