From climate reporting to gas security: what businesses need to know

In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with Australian Industry Group Director of Climate and Energy Tennant Reed about the growing number of climate and energy policy decisions shaping Australia's path to net zero. Tennant explains why many companies are still focused on getting their heads around climate reporting requirements, what "material risk" looks like in practice, and how businesses should think about both transition risks and the physical impacts of climate change. The conversation also explores the future role of gas in Australia's energy system, the challenges of scaling renewable gas, and why debates about energy security often oversimplify a much more complex reality. Looking ahead, Louise and Tennant discuss the opportunities emerging from new battery technologies and why Australian businesses should pay close attention to the energy transition already underway. Key takeaways Many organisations are still treating climate-related financial disclosure as a compliance task, but its long-term value will depend on improving business decisions and risk management. Climate reporting requires businesses to assess both transition risks and physical risks, including impacts on assets, employees, supply chains and customers. Renewable gas has an important role to play for some hard-to-electrify industrial processes, but cost and scale remain significant challenges. Gas reservation can improve energy security and reduce exposure to international price shocks, but it cannot solve Australia's gas supply challenges on its own. Energy security will require a combination of new gas supply, renewable gas, electrification and infrastructure investment. Public debates about gas often overlook the different roles it plays across the energy system, particularly as a source of backup and flexibility. Falling battery costs and improving battery technologies are creating new opportunities for businesses, transport and energy users across the economy. Contact the Industry Development & Policy team.