Masterclass session 3
With the global trend towards renewable energy and decarbonisation, investors globally and in Australia have made significant investments into renewable energy projects. Government, equity and debt have all stepped up to expand the sector to unprecedent scale – further opportunities are now emerging with Australia’s push into the green hydrogen industry and recent developments in the off-shore wind sector in particular.
In this Masterclass, the speakers examine:
- the challenges of financing renewable energy projects in the current environment – including regulatory risks, transmission constraints and supply chain disruption
- what typical capital structures look like – debt/equity mix
- what financiers look for in order to make a project or acquisition bankable – PPAs versus merchant risk
- sources of finance – commercial banks and CEFC
- future opportunities – green hydrogen projects, alternative models and their challenges
Speakers:
- Stephen Gauld, Managing Director & CEO at Infinite Green Energy
- Samantha Tough, Pro Vice Chancellor at The University of WA, Chair of Horizon Power, Director of Clean Energy Finance Corporation
- Adela Smith Energy + Infrastructure Partner at Gilbert + Tobin
Moderator:
The global momentum towards the clean energy and decarbonisation transition is moving at a staggering speed. Public and private sectors have pivoted to align with a transformation like an industrial revolution. There has been a significant shift in expectations regarding net zero and other decarbonisation commitments, and Australia’s own transition remains under the spotlight with measurable action and government intervention at the centre of the debate.
It’s for this reason that this year, Gilbert + Tobin presented the Clean Energy + Decarbonisation Masterclass series, a multi-part series featuring leading industry experts focusing on key topics relating to investments in the clean energy and decarbonisation sector. The Masterclass series provided a rare and unique opportunity to hear from professionals at the forefront of industry, clean energy developments, and decarbonising opportunities. The sessions also included a panel discussion facilitated by Gilbert + Tobin and involving industry experts.
The six-part series explored the crucial considerations for business and community including, the practicalities of decarbonisation, governance and risk, financing challenges, land acquisition and assembly, stakeholder engagement and environmental issues.