The Future of Net Zero in Asia

Hosted by the Smart Energy Council at the UWA Club, this high-impact event brings together leading voices in finance, policy, and industry to explore the emerging trade and policy landscape shaping the future of green exports across Asia. The panel focuses on what it will take for Australia to lead the world in green hydrogen, green steel, and green iron exports—examining the global mechanisms and frameworks that will drive this industrial transition.

Isaac Hinton from InterContinental Energy will open the discussion by sharing insights from their operations in Oman, alongside updates on the Western Green Energy Hub and the Australian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH). He will highlight the critical importance of long-term offtake agreements and the global policy frameworks required for Australia to position itself as a leader in green hydrogen exports.

Tim Buckley from Climate Energy Finance will then build the case for introducing a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) across Asia, exploring its potential impact on Australian exporters and the broader implications for clean industry competitiveness.

Oliver Yates of GAW Capital will round out the discussion by exploring the benefits of a clean commodities trading mechanism, detailing the financial and market infrastructure needed to underpin the credibility, transparency, and scalability of global green trade

Moderated by Charlie Caruso from the Smart Energy Council, the session will explore how global policy alignment, credible certification schemes, and strong bilateral trade relationships will be essential for positioning Australia as a clean energy superpower in the emerging green industrial economy.