Market Intelligence

Greenwashing litigation in Australia has entered a new phase. Until now, these cases have been brought by regulators, shareholder groups and advocacy organisations. A consumer class action has now been filed in the Federal Court against AGL Energy Limited (AGL) – the first greenwashing class action in Australia.

California's new Assembly Bill 982 fundamentally changes how mining operations are classified under SMARA by replacing production-based definitions with activity-based criteria and creating an "Idle Reserve" category that extends the allowable idle period for aggregate mines from 15 to 25 years. How will these changes affect mine operators' ability to preserve economically viable mineral reserves while maintaining compliance with reclamation requirements?

Ireland's Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has proposed sweeping changes to offshore renewable energy auctions that would transform how projects qualify for support. Unlike previous schemes where price determined winners, developers bidding for the Lí Ban offshore wind site must now satisfy mandatory environmental, cybersecurity, and supply chain criteria before competing on price. Will these new requirements successfully reduce European dependence on third-country suppliers wh

The European Court of Justice has issued a landmark ruling clarifying the legal concept of 'direct lines' in electricity infrastructure, potentially transforming how Dutch businesses and developers can establish direct physical connections between generators and consumers. This interpretation reveals significant incompatibilities between Dutch national law and EU directives, opening new possibilities for market participants seeking alternatives to traditional grid connections and cable-pooling arrangements.

As data centres in Norway increasingly face scrutiny over the environmental and commercial costs of diesel backup generators, service providers are exploring more sustainable alternatives.

The Irish government has announced €5 million in funding from the Climate Action Fund to support nine district heating pilot projects across seven counties. This pre-construction funding aims to bridge the gap until significant capital funding becomes available, advancing Ireland's decarbonization goals through centralized thermal energy networks that can heat thousands of homes and buildings.