Media releases

Tomago power deal an important milestone for Hunter’s industrial future

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes today's announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns

Hunter Transmission Project approval welcomed

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) warmly welcomes the NSW Government’s approval of the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP), calling it a critical piece of infrastructure for the region's energy transition.

Buying offsets is not decarbonising

Australia's biggest industrial polluters are buying their way through the Safeguard Mechanism. The upcoming review must change that.

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes government moves to coordinate and accelerate industrial investment

Today, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Minister Chris Bowen, Minister Catherine King, Minister Madeleine King, and Minister Tim Ayres jointly announced the Investor Front Door's first pilot projects

WA’s wind boom is outrunning its grid plans

The Western Australian Government’s new power purchase agreements with three wind farms are landmark deals for the state's clean energy transition – but a more ambitious grid build out is needed to unlock their Renewable Superpower vision, according to independent think tank Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE).

Beyond Zero Emissions strengthens Board with appointment of Zoe Hilson and Manik Mahajan

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) has today announced the appointment of Zoe Hilson and Manik Mahajan to its Board of Directors, both bringing deep experience in clean energy transition.

Latest projections should trigger real action, not hand wringing

New projections that Australia is on track to miss its 2035 emissions targets underscore a growing gap between ambition and delivery – but this trajectory is not inevitable, according to independent think tank Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE).

Coalition backflip threatens jobs and investment

The Coalition's move to retract its policy position of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is anti-business and a direct threat to Australia’s industrial regions and their economic futures, according to independent think-tank Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE).

Beyond Zero Emissions strengthens Board with appointment of Kylea Tink and Rod Henderson

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) has today announced the appointment of Kylea Tink and Rod Henderson to its Board of Directors, bringing new depth of leadership and sector expertise to help steer the organisation through its next phase of growth and impact.

Gladstone can lead clean industry but delivery delays risk $7.8b investment

Gladstone has what it takes to lead Australia’s clean industrial future – but risks falling behind unless renewables, transmission and infrastructure are delivered on time.

Queensland needs a clear path to its energy future

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes the Queensland Government’s focus on grid reliability, energy affordability and clarity on the transmission infrastructure during this time of transition.

62-70% Target fails credibility test

The Federal Government’s 62-70% emissions reduction target by 2035 fails the credibility test, offering neither industry or regional communities the certainty they need, according to Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) CEO Heidi Lee.

Energy election over: Hunter’s progress towards serious green industrial export jobs assessed

Australians voted for a clean energy future, and this requires decisive action on the ground. Industry think tank BZE has assessed the Hunter’s readiness and progress towards becoming a major green industrial exporter.

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes the passing of the Future Made in Australia legislation

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes the formal approval of the Future Made in Australia package of legislation which will enable Australia to prosper in the global shift to net zero.

CCA recommendations charts the right way forward towards net zero

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes the Climate Change Authority’s Sector Pathways Review.

BZE welcomes new battery projects announced under Capacity Investment Scheme

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of nearly 1GW’s worth of new energy storage that six new battery projects will bring to the nation. 

BZE welcomes $550m Solar Sunshot

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) announcement of the first $550m of the $1 billion Solar Sunshot program

Budget 2024-2025: The good and bad for Australia’s clean energy future

The Federal Budget 2024-25 contains both good and bad news for Australian households and for our clean energy future.

The world’s clean technology future can be made in Australia

Bold action to boost Australian manufacturing capabilities and grow five onshore cleantech supply chains could generate up to $215 billion in revenue and create up to 53,000 additional jobs by 2035

BZE welcomes Future Made In Australia Act

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) warmly welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement of the Future Made in Australia Act.

BZE applauds sovereign solar capability

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) warmly welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement of $1 billion to support the manufacturing of solar supply chains.

Expansion of Capacity Investment Scheme a welcome step forward but more needs to be done

There are further opportunities to keep energy costs down for households and drive Australian manufacturing.

Australia can capture niche battery markets

Australia can create a battery manufacturing industry targeting Australia’s grid and heavy vehicle battery markets.

Commercial Electric Vehicles (CEVs) present $110 billion opportunity to decarbonise Australian industry

While the focus to date in Australia has been on passenger EVs, commercial vehicles represent 9% of Australia’s carbon emissions, and this is rising.

Shared infrastructure for clean industry clusters can save money; create jobs

Investing in helping existing clusters of businesses to become powered by clean energy can save taxpayers money, substantially reduce transmission requirements and speed up emissions reduction, our new report has found.

Budget 2023: Australia steps up. To keep pace we need a giant leap forward

Australia can "power the world" with renewable energy and clean technology, but only if we raise our ambition towards becoming an export powerhouse.

Newcastle and the Hunter’s Energy Evolution

The world is shifting to green energy and clean manufacturing faster than ever before, and this is a shift we’re seeing happen in our own backyard.

Strengthened Safeguard Mechanism welcome but falls short of “exports powerhouse” opportunity

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes passage of reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism, the federal government’s signature policy to reduce industrial emissions.

Australia needs a Supergrid to become a ‘renewable energy superpower’

Beyond Zero Emissions’ new report shows an urgent upgrade to Australia’s electricity grid is needed for the country to remain competitive in the global green economy.

BZE welcomes new board member Susheela Peres da Costa

Susheela is an expert on responsible investment governance, strategy, and implementation.

Australia has a bright, fossil-fuel-free future

Australian companies that have developed world-recognised clean technology solutions to address climate change, are taking their innovations to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 27) this week.

Beyond Zero Emissions showcases Australian cleantech companies at COP27

Leading Australian think tank Beyond Zero Emissions is curating a showcase of Australian cleantech this week at COP27 on behalf of the Australian Government.

Hunter has enough new energy potential to power Renewable Energy Industrial Precinct

The Hunter has more than enough renewable energy potential to decarbonise existing industry giants and develop new green industries.

Gladstone needs more new energy to power Renewable Energy Industrial Precinct

Gladstone could become a major green hydrogen hub with many proposed hydrogen projects, but it will need much more renewable energy to power existing industry giants committed to decarbonisation as well as develop new green industries, according to a new briefing paper by green energy think tank Beyond Zero Emissions.

Offshore wind can revitalise Victoria’s manufacturing

Victorian industry will get a major boost from affordable and reliable offshore wind energy after Premier Daniel Andrews outlined ambitious targets today.

NSW Government embraces green energy future

The NSW Government announces it will invest $550 million in renewable energy industries in the Hunter Valley.

Hunter Renewable Energy Zone can power $11 billion green export industry

The massive financial interest in the Hunter Renewable Energy Zone has shown that regional Australia can become industrial powerhouses again.

AGL coal plants’ early closure shows government needs to embrace clean-energy future

AGL’s announced early closure of two coal power stations shows the transition away from fossil fuels is happening faster than expected.

Geoff Summerhayes joins Beyond Zero Emissions

Former APRA executive appointed BZE chair.

Hunter Renewable Energy Zone can power green export industry

The Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone could provide the foundation to power a $11 billion export industry.

ALP needs more ambition to reap green export windfall

The Australian Labor Party’s commitment to rebuilding Australia’s ageing electricity grid will help reindustrialise regional Australia.

A message from Beyond Zero Emissions Chair Eytan Lenko

Eytan is our first-ever Board Director to reach a maximum term.

Offshore wind can reindustrialise regional Australia

Today’s passing of the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure bills can unlock billions in green exports.

Hydrogen just the start for Newcastle

Hunter Renewable Energy Industrial Precinct could bring in $11 billion/year.

Groups back Australia’s signing of Glasgow Breakthrough green steel initiative

Beyond Zero Emissions leads groups in backing Australian PM Scott Morrison’s signing of the Glasgow Breakthrough protocol to decarbonise steel..

Investor Roundtable – Event Summary

Prominent industry leaders discuss change, investment in renewables and more.

New report: Green exports is Australia’s $333 billion opportunity

By 2050, green exports could grow to almost triple the value of existing fossil fuel exports.

Beyond Zero Emissions says new hydrogen funding good foundation for Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts

An extra $150 million will be invested by the federal government into clean hydrogen industrial hubs.

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes switch to renewables by Tomago Aluminium

A strong sign for the future of manufacturing in the Hunter.

Gladstone heavyweights show their support for a Renewable Energy Industrial Precinct

Key figures from all three levels of government and from industry have expressed support for a Renewable Energy Industrial Precinct in Gladstone, Queensland.

$13 billion manufacturing windfall for Gladstone and Hunter

Recent modelling shows Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts in our regions have enormous economic potential.

Tom Quinn appointed Head of Policy and Research of Beyond Zero Emissions

Highly respected leader with senior experience in peak industry bodies to lead policy and research.

Heidi Lee on Sky: Beyond Zero Emissions CEO explains Australia’s renewables opportunities

Beyond Zero Emissions CEO Heidi Lee appeared on Sky News Australia to speak about "one of the big opportunities" that Australia can take up.

Australian manufacturing to be boosted through Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts

Some of Australia’s most exciting manufacturing and tech companies give support.

A heartfelt thank you from our CEO

Thank you for supporting Beyond Zero Emissions in 2020.

4 innovations to watch in 2021: Driving Australia’s clean recovery

Here are four innovations and leading companies that could drive Australia’s clean recovery.

Beyond Zero Emissions says Climate Change Bill will boost Australian economy

The Climate Change Bill and a net zero emissions target for 2050 would provide certainty to the private sector and unlock investment opportunities across all sectors of the economy, says Beyond Zero Emissions.

Over 30 prominent groups support making NSW a renewable energy superpower

Business community, conservation organisations and renewable energy companies are joining to thank the NSW Parliament for legislation to power NSW’s renewable energy revolution.

Renewables superhighway set to unleash thousands of jobs in Victoria and NSW

A renewables superhighway backed by the Victorian and federal governments this week will create thousands of new direct and indirect jobs, according to Beyond Zero Emissions.

Hunter ready to be a power player in state’s renewable power vision

If you didn’t know it already, there’s no better place to be than the Hunter after Energy Minister Matt Kean announced plans to turn NSW into a renewable energy superpower.

Victorian government should use energy efficiency investments to create net-zero energy homes

The Victorian government should go further than their new Budget announcements on energy efficiency and aim to create net-zero energy “all-electric” homes.

Sanaya Khisty appointed Chief Strategy Officer of Beyond Zero Emissions

Beyond Zero Emissions is delighted to announce the promotion of Sanaya Khisty to Chief Strategy Officer.

Heidi Lee appointed CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions

Beyond Zero Emissions is pleased to announce the appointment of Heidi Lee as Chief Executive Officer.

Who says battery-powered vehicles can’t have grunt?

The Hunter is full of quiet achievers. Every day people in our community are working hard to diversify and innovate in their industry but rarely making a big song and dance about it.

Million jobs plan comes to life in NSW with government’s new energy superpower plan

The NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap embodies the ambition and action called for in Beyond Zero Emissions’ Million Jobs Plan. This Roadmap will deliver jobs in regional Australia, including in the Hunter region of NSW, and abundant, affordable and reliable, low-emissions electricity across the state.

Factory a ray of sunshine for our region

Yesterday was a major turning point for the Hunter, and regional Australia. Energy Renaissance, an emerging battery manufacturer, announced it’s setting up shop in Tomago. It will build a zero emissions factory, powered by solar energy and its own batteries.

This budget is the first step towards a clean economic recovery

It is now beyond doubt that the economic megatrends of digitisation and decarbonisation have only picked up steam through the COVID-19 crisis.

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes Australia’s clean economic recovery: breakdown of budget measures

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) welcomes the series of Federal Budget measures that will harness the potential of new energy technology to help Australia recover from the Covid-19 downturn and position our industry for future jobs and investment growth.

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes manufacturing pre-budget announcements by Prime Minister

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes funding announcements made today by Prime Minister, Scott Morrison to modernise manufacturing and support the recycling and clean energy sectors. A significant number of these initiatives are set out by the Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) Million Jobs Plan.

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes Monica Tan

Beyond Zero Emissions is pleased to announce the appointment of Monica Tan as Communications and Media Manager.

Beyond Zero Emissions technology statement response

The recently announced Low Emissions Technology Statement by Energy Minister, Angus Taylor, details five high priority technologies.

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes positive funding announcements by Minister Taylor

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes positive funding announcements today by Energy Minister, Angus Taylor. A significant number of these initiatives are set out by the Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) Million Jobs Plan.

Independent economic modelling from one of Australia’s most eminent experts says the Million Jobs Plan will drive recovery

New independent economic analysis from one of Australia’s most eminent experts, Chris Murphy, has found that the economic impact from the Million Jobs Plan will ensure a stronger economic recovery from the COVID-19 recession.

Fast-tracking ISP could create 200,000 jobs

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) has welcomed the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) Integrated System Plan (ISP) that has identified a pathway for an affordable, reliable and cleaner National Electricity Market (NEM).

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes new CEO Chris Arnott

Beyond Zero Emissions is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Arnott to the role of CEO.

Welcome approval for Snowy Hydro Scheme

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) has welcomed the Prime Minister, Minister for the Environment Minister and Minister for Energy and Emission Reductions’ announcement regarding the final environmental approvals of the Snowy Hydro Scheme 2.0.

BZE welcomes approval for Snowy Hydro Scheme

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) has welcomed the Prime Minister, Minister for the Environment and Minister for Energy and Emission Reductions’ announcement regarding the final environmental approvals of the Snowy Hydro Scheme 2.0.

One million jobs: ready, willing and able

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) will today release its framework to create over one million jobs and reinvigorate the national economy through a range of practical projects that help modernise industries, re-skill our workforce and reduce household energy bills.

Homebuilder package a huge missed opportunity on liveability

Caroline Pidcock, one of Australia’s leading architects and housing design experts is available for comment today on the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder program.

BZE million jobs plan identifies 50,000 jobs in the Hunter region

A forthcoming report by Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) will identify numerous opportunities for local jobs in the Hunter region, with similar opportunities across cities and towns across Australia.

The NT can unlock an economic boom with renewable energy

The Northern Territory can create more than $2 billion in new annual revenue and over 8,000 new jobs by pursuing a target of 10 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030, new research by Beyond Zero Emissions has found.

Australia’s rising emissions an avoidable failure

Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions have risen yet again, but the reality is that it could be at zero emissions in a decade if it adopts affordable and available solutions.

Councils and communities leading action on climate change

Local councils and communities are leading action on climate change in Australia according to a nationwide report released today.

BZE and ISCA working to encourage low carbon cements

Australia could lead the world on zero carbon cement with the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia’s Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating scheme.

BZE welcomes South Australian decision to build concentrated solar thermal

The South Australian Government’s announcement to back a Concentrated Solar Thermal plant in Port Augusta is a celebration of community vision and leadership.

Think tank sees commitment to 100% renewables from COAG

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes the Department of the Environment and Energy’s invitation to make comments on the Independent Review of the National Electricity Market.

Lauder Institute places climate solutions think tank BZE in world’s top 100

Beyond Zero Emissions has been ranked the 52nd Best Independent Think Tank in the world by The Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) of the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania.