CIMIC Group is proud to have supported the development of a new Australian Financial Review Insights report, Energising Change: Accelerating Australia’s Energy Transition Infrastructure, which outlines practical strategies to fast-track the delivery of clean energy infrastructure across Australia.

The report presents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the energy and infrastructure sectors as we work towards the national net zero emissions target by 2050.

CIMIC Group has a pivotal role in Australia’s national energy transition. From investing in renewable energy assets to delivering critical infrastructure such as transmission lines and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), the Group is contributing across the entire energy value chain. 

By supporting this independent research, we aim to share practical insights, highlight successful project models, and foster collaboration across industry, government and communities to drive Australia’s transition to a net zero future.

Our operating companies are collaborating to provide integrated, end-to-end solutions:

• Our integrated solutions provider UGL is a leader in constructing, connecting, commissioning and operating renewable assets, with a decades-long track record installing high voltage transmission lines.
• Our development and investment arm Pacific Partnerships is developing solar farms and BESS from inception to operation, leading an integrated approach across CIMIC Group.
• Our construction business CPB Contractors has a track record of delivering wind farms and has transmission line infrastructure projects underway, with expertise in complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Our integrated mineral processing provider Sedgman and our mining services company Thiess (which is 60% owned by CIMIC Group), have key roles producing the minerals and metals essential to the energy transition.

The report was informed by extensive industry engagement, with contributions from senior leaders across the energy and infrastructure sectors. Their insights helped shape the report’s analysis of regulatory, financial and social challenges, and the identification of scalable solutions to accelerate Australia’s energy transition. Our thanks to: 

• Tony Mahar, Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner       
• Hannah McCaughey, CEO, EnergyCo    
• Meg O’Neill, CEO, Woodside Energy      
• Liam (Keeyoun) Shim, Regional Director of Sydney Branch Office, Hyundai Engineering & Construction    
• Josef Tadich, Regional Director, Tesla Energy APAC, Tesla      
• Kane Thornton, Chief Executive, Clean Energy Council.    

The report, outlines seven proven solutions to accelerate Australia’s energy transition:

• Simplify permitting with a ‘one-stop shop’ to reduce delays.
• Prioritise key projects by classifying them as nationally significant.
• Coordinate planning across jurisdictions for complex infrastructure.
• Share financial risk through public-private investment models.
• Strengthen supply chains with early procurement and OEM partnerships.
• Build community trust through benefit-sharing and local engagement.
• Collaborate early with contractors to reduce cost and timeline risks.

The report is available via the link below and provides a roadmap for accelerating the energy transition through collaboration, innovation and strategic investment.