Recent updates in New Zealand, Canada, Indonesia and Vietnam

The industry’s legal landscape continues to evolve across the world. This article outlines some recent updates from New Zealand, Canada, Indonesia and Vietnam. 

SHARMA v MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

More than a year on from the overturning of Sharma v Minister for the Environment by the Full Federal Court, Justice Bromberg’s original judgment continues to occupy the minds of the Australian legal community. Although the current position in Australia is that the Minister owes no duty of care in such cases, the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia stressed that the expert evidence regarding the threat of climate change and global warming was largely uncontested, perhaps foreshadowing the cornerstone of cases to come. Globally, climate litigation is showing no signs of slowing down. As outlined below, despite numerous defeats in various jurisdictions, climate litigants have secured a small number of hard-won victories, fuelling the pipeline.

Hot topics affecting the clean energy transition

Lauren Shave, Special Counsel, Gilbert + Tobin and President, ER Law Western Australia Branch

FORREST AND FORREST PTY LTD AND MINISTER FOR ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS [2023] WASAT 28

Western Australia’s State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) has rejected a review, by Forrest & Forrest Pty Ltd, against the refusal of consent to impact an Aboriginal site in constructing weirs across the Ashburton River. A unanimous three-member panel published its decision in April 2023. SAT’s decision and reasoning has direct significance and use for anyone involved in processes for a s 18 consent under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and broader relevance for the law around protection of Aboriginal heritage in Western Australia. With the WA Government announcing the reversal of recent statutory changes and a return to the 1972 legislation, SAT’s decision has increased relevance.

Vale Graeme Neate

Implications of the change of government in New South Wales

On 25 March New South Wales (NSW) elected Chris Minns as their new Premier signalling a change in direction for Australia’s most populous state. This will see some change in policy particularly for the energy and resources sector. 

For the coal industry, there are eight proposed coal expansions on the table that are now in doubt. These include the Hunter Valley Operations Continuation Project. Prior to the election Minns did also indicate that the Labor government may consider acquiring the Eraring coal-fired power plant to ensure energy supply. Eraring is the largest power station in NSW and was earmarked for closure by Origin Energy in 2025. 

Latest developments in the United States, Canada and New Zealand

There continues to be significant developments in the sector across the globe. In this article we highlight some key changes in the United States, Canada and New Zealand. 

Expanding further into hydrogen

Green hydrogen production continues to grow at a rapid pace, with over 109 kilo tonnes per annum produced globally in 2022, representing a 44% growth compared to 2021. Countries including US, Denmark, Canada and Egypt, have announced over 111.9 million tonnes per annum capacity in 2022 alone.  

Federal Government releases its Nature Positive Plan

Key industry updates in Asia

In recent months several countries in Asia have announced regulatory changes to support their transition to renewable energy.