Climate tech gives us a fighting chance for the future

We talk about resilience a lot; the resilience of founders, of leaders, of us all as human beings.

But what about the resilience of our planet?

In 2009, a team of scientists developed a framework to measure planet Earth’s resilience, by mapping out nine “planetary boundaries” within which the planet can continue to safely operate, and remain resilient to human-induced changes.

Alarmingly, recent research reveals that six of the nine planetary boundaries have now been breached, signalling disturbing levels of pressure on vital ecosystems and resources.

These crossed boundaries include global warming, biosphere integrity, land system change, pollution, freshwater use, and biogeochemical flows (nitrogen and phosphorus cycles).

As Johan Rockström, a researcher at the Stockholm Resilience Centre, puts it: “This update on planetary boundaries clearly depicts a patient that is unwell… We don’t know how long we can keep transgressing these key boundaries before combined pressures lead to irreversible change and harm”.

It was a level of urgency replicated at the recent Impact X Summit Sydney, held in Sydney’s ICC.

During this two-day event, corporate titans, industry leaders, government officials, investors, and climate action advocates from across Asia Pacific converged on the ICC to address the need for immediate action on climate change, and to demonstrate bold commitment to achieving 2030 goals and accelerated implementation on net zero.

It was an unparalleled demonstration of goodwill, collaboration, and passion for sustainable outcomes.

But it was also a demonstration of the opportunity presented by climate tech solutions, including its potential to drive economic transition in regional and rural communities, traditionally reliant on conventional industries.

According to Climate Salad’s 2023 Australian Climate Tech Industry Report, positive investor sentiment towards climate tech investments is on the rise, with 61 percent expressing confidence in the sector.

Climate tech founders were also aiming to raise a massive $1.5 billion within following 12 months, highlighting the growing potential of this future-critical industry, while the Albanese government’s Future Made in Australia Act will help to drive this momentum in direct response to private sector calls for support in the climate tech industry.

This offers investors a prime opportunity to support planet-saving technology in the greatest battle of our generation.

So what are some of the emerging growth companies and ASX stocks leading the climate charge?

Meridian (ASX:MEZ) is New Zealand’s largest power generator, and a pioneer among the world’s largest utility companies, supplying 100 percent of its power from renewable sources (water, wind, and sun).

Its renewable energy portfolio comprises seven hydropower stations, five wind farms, and numerous commercial solar installations on the rooftops of commercial buildings.

Significantly, its Manapouri hydro station, with a capacity of 122 MW, stands as New Zealand’s largest hydropower facility. Situated underground within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fiordland National Park on the South Island, it exemplifies MEZ’s dedication to sustainable energy production.

In its latest annual results, Meridian reported a net profit after tax of $95 million for the year ended June 30, 2023. 2023 saw exceptionally high profits primarily because of the sale of Meridian’s Australian business.

Despite this sale, Meridian remains committed to playing a key role in decarbonising the country and advancing renewable energy initiatives. Moreover, the company continues to offer customers an expanded range of clean energy solutions.

Zeotech (ASX:ZEO) is another ASX-listed company actively engaged in the fight against climate change.

It does this by leveraging “zeolites” – mineral compounds renowned for their porous structure and unique abilities to trap, exchange, or release ions and molecules – to address landfill methane challenges.

Collaborating with Griffith University, it is currently working on demonstrating the efficacy of zeolites in capping landfills and controlling methane emissions. The team are pioneers in their development of products like zeoteCH4, which integrates methane-oxidising bacteria to enhance methane abatement technology.

These efforts bore significant fruit in the fiscal year 2022/23, as highlighted in their annual report, with notable achievements including investments in novel mineral processing technology and large-scale climate initiatives.

One to watch: HB11 Energy

HB11 Energy may not be listed – yet. But it is certainly one of Australia’s most important climate tech energy companies to watch.

They are developing commercially viable fusion energy technology that can be deployed worldwide. They’re creating solutions that will safely generate the most abundant and permanent supply of clean energy.

Recently, they entered into a bilateral agreement with the University of Salamanca (USAL) and the Spanish Pulsed Lasers Centre (CLPU) to expedite the development of laser fusion energy in both Australia and Spain.

Under this agreement, HB11 Energy will gain access to Spain’s most potent petawatt-class laser, operated by CLPU, which employs technology akin to that of the Livermore National Ignition Facility (NIF), where a net energy gain was recently accomplished.

Furthermore, the Australian Government, facilitated by the Australian Research Council (ARC), has allocated a $560,000 ARC Linkage grant for a $1.76M project to advance HB11 Energy’s indigenous hydrogen-boron laser fusion. This project will be based at UNSW and will involve collaboration with partners from Macquarie University, the University of Bordeaux, and Spain’s CLPU.

“ImpactX was a client of Third Hemisphere at the time of publishing.

By Jeremy Liddle, Executive Director of tech & finance PR & investment agency, Third Hemisphere