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Australia’s decarbonisation challenge

Australia’s transition to net zero emissions requires substantial decarbonisation at a much faster pace than we are currently achieving. While national Greenhouse Gas Accounts show we reduced emissions by 21.6 per cent on 2005 levels in the year to March 2022, we must achieve a similar reduction in just eight years to reach our targeted 43 per cent reduction by 2030. 

The CEFC recognises the urgent nature of the emissions challenge, and our important role in anticipating and responding to market conditions, developing new markets, building investor confidence and crafting tailored and innovative investment products to drive lower emissions.

Equally, we recognise our investment activities are just the start of what is required. While the size of the investment requirement is seismic, so too are the opportunities.

The natural resources which powered our economy in the past century will be replaced with new resources for the next century, where we have world-leading potential in renewable energy, green hydrogen and critical minerals.

Our strong and stable financial system is giving us vital access to domestic and global capital, including the fast-growing pool of green capital seeking to preference sustainable investment.

At the same time, a commitment to innovation is transforming the way we farm, manufacture, recycle and travel, addressing some of our toughest emissions challenges while reshaping future growth.

Capitalising on these opportunities will help Australia meet its climate change challenge and share the benefits of the clean energy transition across our economy, ensuring Australia is well placed to thrive in a net zero emissions future.

Sitting Character
First solar farm financed Clean Energy Innovation Fund 10 large-scale solar farms financed 2012 2016 2015 2014 2013 Australian Parliament passes CEFC Act Record 39 commitments 2 GW wind milestone First hydrogen investment 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 First solar farm financed Clean Energy Innovation Fund 10 large-scale solar farms financed 2017 Australian Parliament passes CEFC Act Lifetime transaction value $37.15b
2012 2016 2015 2014 2013 Record 39 commitments First hydrogen investment 2 GW wind milestone 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 Clean Energy Innovation Fund Clean Energy Innovation Fund 10 large-scale solar farms financed 10 large-scale solar farms financed 2017 Australian Parliament passes CEFC Act Australian Parliament passes CEFC Act First solar farm financed First solar farm financed Lifetime transaction value $37.15b

Clear focus, strong ambition

to transform our emissions landscape

The CEFC began operating 10 years ago with access to $10 billion from the Australian Government. In investing an average of $1 billion each year into emissions reduction opportunities, the CEFC has earned the trust of our co-investors, business, industry and cleantech innovators. Just as CEFC capital and expertise has helped transform Australia’s renewable energy sector, we are forging into new areas, decarbonising even the hardest sectors of our economy, including in industry, transport, infrastructure, resources and natural capital.

Backing the clean
energy system of
the future

Backing the clean energy system of the future

Icon Solar 1
Renewable energy

42 transactions

Accelerating delivery of 3.6 GW of new solar and wind generation

$2.65b
Lifetime commitment
Icon Transmission Grid 2
Grid infrastructure

3 transactions

Integrating clean energy into critical transmission and grid infrastructure

$580m
Lifetime commitment
Icon Energy Storage 2
Energy storage

2 transactions

New storage solutions to strengthen our energy system

$209m
Lifetime commitment
Icon Waste
Waste and bioenergy

13 transactions

Creating new clean fuel sources and cutting growing waste emissions

$430m
Lifetime commitment

Investing across
the economic
landscape

Investing across the economic landscape

Icon Built Environment 1
Property

37 transactions

A greener future for landmark industrial, commercial and residential assets

$1.92b
Lifetime commitment
Icon Infrastructure 1
Infrastructure

24 transactions

Transforming key national social, economic and transport assets

$1.15b
Lifetime commitment
Icon Agribusiness 2
Natural capital

5 transactions^

Re-positioning Australian agriculture for a regenerative and sustainable net zero future

$270m
Lifetime commitment
Icon Equipment Assets 2
Industry and resources

8 transactions

Tapping into Australia’s emerging critical minerals while cutting industrial and mining emissions

$266m
Lifetime commitment

Tapping into new
investment models
and opportunities

Tapping into new investment models and opportunities

Icon Property 1
Debt markets

52 transactions

Australian-first climate bonds, green home loans and asset finance programs

$2.66b
Lifetime commitment
Icon Debt Markets 2
Alternatives

8 transactions

Mobilising new sources of private investment via listed and unlisted funds

$353m
Lifetime commitment
Icon Hydrogen 2
Hydrogen

3 transactions*

Kick-starting Australia’s green hydrogen economy for global potential

$23m
Lifetime commitment
Icon Innovative 2
Cleantech

49 new and follow-on transactions

Backing entrepreneurs to commercialise new technologies and business models

$163m
Lifetime commitment

Lifetime commitments to 30 June 2022. Details may be reflected across more than one category.
^ Includes $75 million commitment, closed just after 2021–22 year end. 
* Includes $10 million follow-on commitment, closed after 2021–22 year end.

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