New Energy Expert Insights: Project Finance for Investment in Renewables with Viet Pham, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)
In this edition of New Energy Expert Insights, we sat down with Viet Pham from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) to explore project finance for renewable energy projects in Australia, examining how lenders are adapting to the sector’s unique challenges and what developers need to know to secure optimal financing. Viet is the Head of […]
Investment in Renewables
Navigating the ACCC’s New Merger Control Regime: Key Considerations for Renewable Energy Developers and Joint Ventures
The introduction of Australia’s new mandatory merger control regime, effective 1 January 2026, marks a fundamental shift in the regulatory landscape for renewable energy transactions.[1] For developers, investors and JV participants, the implications go well beyond headline M&A deals, impacting project-level joint-ventures, step-ups in shareholdings and contingent milestone funding structures. This article examines three critical […]
Stacking Carbon Credits with Renewable Energy Projects in Australia: Can Land Sequestration and Solar Projects Co-Exist?
Overview The concept of “stacking” carbon credits has gained increasing attention as developers seek to maximise land value, diversify revenue streams and enhance ESG outcomes. In Australia, this issue is particularly relevant for renewable energy developers – especially proponents of large-scale solar farms – who are exploring whether generation assets can be co-located with land-based […]
Macroeconomic Trends in Australia’s Renewable Energy Transition
Australia’s renewable energy transition in 2025 is being shaped by a complex interplay of global macroeconomic forces, trade policies, and shifting investment patterns. Australia’s abundant renewable resources, combined with growing global demand for clean energy and green commodities, positions the domestic industry well for future market participation. This article considers the primary economic headwinds in […]
New Energy Bulletin: Australia’s first mandatory battery stewardship scheme – what you need to know
On 20 February 2026, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) published the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Regulation 2026 (the Regulation), made under the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Act 2025 (NSW) (the Act).1 The Regulation establishes Australia’s first mandatory product stewardship scheme for batteries and will come into effect on 1 October 2026. Product stewardship means taking responsibility […]
Practical implications: What the dismissal of the ACCR v Santos greenwashing case means for corporations’ climate commitments and disclosures
Despite the Federal Court’s dismissal of a greenwashing claim brought by the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility against oil and gas producer, Santos Limited, the risk of legal action from shareholders, regulators and activists remains certain. Large emitting corporations should continue to focus on ensuring all representations regarding emissions and the energy transition are accurate […]
NSW Parliament passes WHS Digital Work System Duty
Key Takeaways The NSW Parliament has passed the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2026. This is the first time that digital work systems have been directly addressed in Australian WHS Law. The reforms will largely commence on a yet-to-be-announced date or dates, to be appointed by proclamation. Digital work system is […]
New Energy Expert Insights: structuring successful joint ventures with Tracy Pyle, Senior Managing Director of Ankura
In this edition of New Energy Expert Insights, we sat down with Tracy Pyle, Practice Group Leader for Ankura’s Joint Venture & Partnership Practice, to discuss how parties can structure joint ventures that work in practice and not just on paper. Ankura is a global advisory firm supporting organisations across the full transaction and asset […]
Hamilton Locke advises Enervest on the Hanworth BESS sale
Hamilton Locke is pleased to have advised Enervest on the sale of the Hanworth Battery Energy Storage System (‘BESS’) to Octopus Australia. The transaction represents a strategic step for Enervest as it right-sizes its portfolio and focuses on its long-term own-and-operate strategy, while transitioning this asset to a partner who has the capability and resources […]
New Energy Expert Insights: Grid Scale PV and Storage Projects Enabling Reusability and Recyclability by Design with Katharine Hole, CEO of ABRI and Megan Jones, CEO of CPVA
In this edition, we sat down with two leading voices in Australia’s circular economy for renewable energy: Katharine Hole, CEO of the Association for the Battery Recycling Industry (ABRI), and Megan Jones, CEO and Co-Founder of the Circular PV Alliance (CPVA). Why are reusability and recyclability critical to renewable energy? Megan: There’s a broad and […]
Leigh Holder
Leigh Holder is an experienced lawyer and corporate executive with over 18 years’ experience in energy and resources and business development working on mergers and acquisitions, the establishment and management of large-scale joint ventures; and in the origination, financing, construction and operation of renewable, mining, energy and infrastructure projects. He advises clients on corporate, construction […]
