Energy & Resources
- Banking & Finance
- Capital Markets
- China
- Climate Change
- Communications & Technology
- Competition & Regulatory
- Corporate
- Energy & Resources
- Environment & Planning
- Financial Services
- Global Regulatory
- Government
- Health
- India
- Intellectual Property
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Major Projects & Infrastructure
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Property & Real Estate
- Restructuring & Insolvency
- Tax
- Workplace Relations
Energy & Resources » Power
Progress in the development of renewable energy generation continues to be influenced by the politics of emissions trading and carbon tax, and the desire for more renewable sources of viable power generation.
Whilst the vibrant debate around transitional arrangements for carbon intensive participants (including coal-powered generators) will continue, as carbon intensity is increasingly reflected in the price of energy (in particular energy generated by coal fired power stations), the price competitiveness of renewable energy will increase. Whilst Europe continues at pace to develop further renewable power generation, Australia, with its abundant supplies of thermal coal, understandably, is unlikely to match Europe in the near term.
Paradoxically, it may be that the very abundance of thermal coal will provide the impetus that Australia needs to move towards the levels of renewable energy generation seen in Europe as export price parity for thermal coal drives up the price of coal, and as such, electricity and carbon is priced through the carbon tax.
Corrs has long standing and significant expertise in coal, gas and renewable power station developments and operation. In addition to development and operational expertise, Corrs’ team advises on the commercial impact of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECS) and electricity trading, and the regulatory environment.
Our Experts
Our Experience
Australasian Legal Business Awards 2012 Energy & Resources Deal of the Year - Peabody’s US$5.2 billion hostile takeover of Macarthur Coal
In one of the largest ever coal takeovers in Australia, Peabody acquired Macarthur Coal for US$5.2 billion. Corrs advised Macarthur Coal throughout the transaction which involved several complex elements including a joint bid vehicle arrangement between Peabody and Macarthur’s second largest shareholder ArcelorMittal – the world’s largest steelmaker.
Perth Biomass Power Station Project
Corrs continues to act for Pacific Energy as the sponsor of the Perth Biomass Power Station Project. We have advised on all aspects of the project, including the procurement of fuel (forest plantation residue), fuel transportation, advice on the power purchase agreement, the EPC Contract, the equity arrangements and the project financing arrangements for the development of a 40/45 MW renewable energy power station.
Our Thinking
Investing in the Australian mining industry: A focus on coal and iron ore
Australia is a country with vast mineral wealth. This fact, coupled with its stable political, legal and economic environment, a highly skilled workforce, and a welcoming attitude to foreign investment, makes Australia a favoured destination.
More Download
Hydro Tasmania: The benevolent monopolist?
Tasmania has opened up its electricity market to new retailers, but will anyone come to the party?
More
Energy White Paper 2012: Managing peak electricity demand - Who should pay to keep you cool this summer?
Proposed reforms to manage peak demand for electricity will be as unpopular as they are necessary.
More
Energy White Paper 2012: The challenge of transforming to a clean energy future
Are the White Paper’s bold predictions for a clean energy future viable, particularly given the reliance on carbon capture and storage?
More
Energy White Paper 2012: Will Australia’s high cost disease prove terminal?
When it comes to energy it's too easy to assume Australia is sitting pretty.
More
The great Indian coal rush
Energy ravenous India is set to drive demand for Australian thermal coal.
More
Carbon Farming Initiative gives boost to bioenergy development
The introduction of the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) may boost bioenergy development in Australia, particularly in the waste-to-energy sector.
MoreOur Experience
Australasian Legal Business Awards 2012 Energy & Resources Deal of the Year - Peabody’s US$5.2 billion hostile takeover of Macarthur Coal
In one of the largest ever coal takeovers in Australia, Peabody acquired Macarthur Coal for US$5.2 billion. Corrs advised Macarthur Coal throughout the transaction which involved several complex elements including a joint bid vehicle arrangement between Peabody and Macarthur’s second largest shareholder ArcelorMittal – the world’s largest steelmaker.
Initially a hostile takeover, Peabody reached the 90 per cent compulsory acquisition threshold within 13 weeks of the offer opening and finally acquired 100 per cent of Macarthur shares in December 2011.
Perth Biomass Power Station Project
Corrs continues to act for Pacific Energy as the sponsor of the Perth Biomass Power Station Project. We have advised on all aspects of the project, including the procurement of fuel (forest plantation residue), fuel transportation, advice on the power purchase agreement, the EPC Contract, the equity arrangements and the project financing arrangements for the development of a 40/45 MW renewable energy power station.
Our Thinking
Investing in the Australian mining industry: A focus on coal and iron ore
Australia is a country with vast mineral wealth. This fact, coupled with its stable political, legal and economic environment, a highly skilled workforce, and a welcoming attitude to foreign investment, makes Australia a favoured destination.
Hydro Tasmania: The benevolent monopolist?
Tasmania has opened up its electricity market to new retailers, but will anyone come to the party?
Carbon Farming Initiative gives boost to bioenergy development
The introduction of the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) may boost bioenergy development in Australia, particularly in the waste-to-energy sector.
The great Indian coal rush
Energy ravenous India is set to drive demand for Australian thermal coal.
Energy White Paper 2012: Will Australia’s high cost disease prove terminal?
When it comes to energy it's too easy to assume Australia is sitting pretty.
Energy White Paper 2012: The challenge of transforming to a clean energy future
Are the White Paper’s bold predictions for a clean energy future viable, particularly given the reliance on carbon capture and storage?
Energy White Paper 2012: Managing peak electricity demand - Who should pay to keep you cool this summer?
Proposed reforms to manage peak demand for electricity will be as unpopular as they are necessary.
Our Experts
Andrew Chew
Partner Sydney +61 2 9210 6607Bruce Adkins
Partner Brisbane + 61 7 3228 9431Clare Corke
Partner Melbourne +61 3 9672 3255John Kelly
Partner Brisbane +61 7 3228 9368John Walter
Partner Melbourne +61 3 9672 3501Michael MacGinley
Partner Brisbane +61 7 3228 9391Rommel Harding-Farrenberg
Partner Sydney +61 2 9210 6366