Have your say on the draft NSW energy policy framework

To support the clean energy transition, draft guidelines for wind, solar, transmission, benefit-sharing and private agreements have been released by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE). This new policy package should be reviewed by existing and prospective applicants of clean energy and transmission projects in NSW. Read more

Safeguard Mechanism reforms: New guidelines released on emissions-intensity determination applications and a review for a potential carbon border adjustment underway

In October 2023, the Clean Energy Regulator released guidelines to assist responsible emitters and auditors making applications for an emissions-intensity determination. For existing Safeguard Mechanism facilities, this determination will be an important factor in how a facility’s unique baseline will be calculated under the reformed Safeguard Mechanism scheme. Read more

Queensland legislates for hydrogen injection into gas pipelines

The Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Bill 2023 (Qld) (the Legislation) was passed by Queensland Parliament on 10 October 2023.  The Legislation will commence on a day to be fixed by proclamation. As part of a regulatory review to support the regulation of renewable hydrogen development and use in Queensland, the … Read more

Now and next – current issues for Australia’s offshore wind industry

On 27 April 2023, applications closed for the first round of feasibility licences to be issued under the Commonwealth’s new offshore electricity infrastructure (OEI) regime. While we await the Minister’s decisions on those applications, there is much more happening in the Australian offshore wind industry. We discuss key updates, considerations for getting projects off the … Read more

Public Consultation open for GO Scheme for hydrogen and renewable energy certification

The Australian government is consulting with stakeholders on two policy papers drafted for a proposed Guarantee of Origin (GO) Scheme for hydrogen and renewable electricity certification. Consultation on the policy papers closes on 3 February 2023. Snapshot The Guarantee of Origin (GO) Scheme is proposed to measure, track and verify greenhouse gas emissions, initially for … Read more

ESMA final report on Article 8 of the EU Taxonomy Regulation

On 1 March 2021 the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published its Final Report on advice under Article 8 of the Taxonomy Regulation. The Final Report outlines the information that non-financial undertakings and asset managers need to provide to comply with their disclosure obligations under the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD). The Taxonomy Regulation came into force … Read more

Protecting our natural environment – point 9 of the UK Government’s Ten Point Plan

Recognising that the natural environment plays a key role in capturing and sequestering carbon, and with the objective of reversing environmental harm and enhancing biodiversity, the government has committed to “safeguard our cherished landscapes, restore habitats for wildlife…and adapt to climate change, all whilst creating green jobs” through plans that include the planting of 30,000 … Read more