Monthly Energy Transition, Climate Tech & ESG Digests

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· The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) proposes updating the reliability standard to 0.003% expected unserved energy from 1 July 2028.

· The 2026-27 Federal Budget cuts approximately $2 billion from clean energy programs, risking investment in the sector.

· The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) discusses new disclosure requirements for nature-related opportunities.

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· AEMC proposes modest relaxation of reliability standard to 99.997% for 2028-2032.

· Network pricing reform could save up to $6 billion over 15 years, reducing household bills.

· EFRAG submits 2026 Sustainability Reporting Work Programme to European Commission.

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· AEMC updates market price cap to $23,200/MWh from 1 July 2026

· AEMC draft rules propose clearer gas supply risk management

· NAB issues $7 billion green bond to support net zero goals

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· Australia's NEM electricity consumption is forecast to nearly double by 2050, requiring $128 billion in annualised capital investment in generation, storage, and transmission.

· From 1 May 2026, the STC deeming factor for solar batteries declines faster — reducing upfront rebates and increasing effective project cost for any installation contracted after that date.

· EnergyLab Climate Solutions Accelerator closes 15 March; NSW ETCF ($500K–$2M repayable grant) EOI closes 29 April 2026.

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• Micro hydro power is transforming rural communities in Nepal by providing reliable electricity and new income opportunities.
• EFRAG is actively engaging stakeholders in the development of sustainability reporting standards and intangibles reporting.
• IRENA continues to lead in renewable energy innovation, with new leadership aimed at enhancing technology adoption.