NSW mine operators should closely monitor the trends emerging from planning and court decisions, particularly operators with upcoming expansions or new projects that will require new or modified approvals. It is also important for mine operators to be across the numerous pending legal reforms which will come into effect in 2022 and ensure they are complying with the new requirements. ...

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recently concluded its 26th Conference of Parties to the Paris Agreement (COP26) in Glasgow, which placed a major spotlight on climate issues. Together with the Glasgow Climate Pact, a suite of announcements signal important changes and opportunities. In this Insight we unpack some of the key outcomes from COP26 and what they mean for Australian businesses. ...

Hydrogen is swiftly gaining traction as an attractive proposition in the renewable energy sector due to advancements in technology. That said, investment in hydrogen technology and projects requires strategic management of intellectual property (IP) risks and opportunities. Putting in place good IP governance at the outset will help avoid project setbacks and build a strong platform for future investment and innovation. ...

The Federal Government recently announced a scheme under which Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects can generate tradeable Australian carbon credit units (ACCUs). ...

Australia's abundant renewable energy resources and existing infrastructure make it well placed to become a leading producer of green hydrogen. However, given Australia's scarce water resources, hydrogen producers may face challenges in securing reliable, long-term access to the volumes of water that will be required to support large-scale hydrogen projects. This Insight explores the issues that investors and developers need to consider in securing access to water for hydrogen projects in Australia, as interest in the industry continues to grow. ...

One of the most significant developments in the loan markets over the past year or so has been the rapid increase in the use of green and sustainable financing products. These include sustainability-linked loans, green loans, social loans ...

Following the release of the National Hydrogen Strategy in 2019, Australia is seeing exciting developments in government funding, new project announcements and private sector interest in a hydrogen industry. Federal and state governments are partnering with the private sector to support hydrogen technologies, in the race to become a premier exporter of clean hydrogen to the decarbonised global economy. This Insight explores the opportunities for Australia to establish a leading hydrogen industry, including recent policy developments, the latest funding announcements and key legal issues to be aware of. ...

The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a prevention notice requiring a landlord to clean up hundreds of tonnes of hazardous e-waste abandoned by its tenant. ...

The Federal Government has earmarked $280 million in its Budget 2021 for the roll-out of a 'below baseline' crediting scheme, which was a key recommendation of an expert review led by Grant King (King Review). Here we briefly considers what this means for large emitters. ...

The Explanation of Intended Effect for the proposed Design and Place SEPP, presently on public exhibition, signals major change to the assessment requirements for all development in NSW. Improving design outcomes in the built environment is important, but will the proposed SEPP be the right vehicle to achieve this objective, or will it add another layer to an already complex planning system? ...