• CBA and NAB are reducing exposure to carbon-intensive sectors, aiming for net-zero by 2030.
• Australia’s government targets 82% renewable energy by 2030, challenging banks to adapt financing strategies.
• Delays in renewable projects and coal retirement stress the need for reliable power transition.

Leading Australian banks are intensifying their efforts to align with global climate goals by cutting back on lending to carbon-intensive projects.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has committed to reducing emissions associated with its loans to zero by 2030, specifically targeting thermal coal mining customers. The bank acknowledges the difficulties Australia faces in replacing aging coal-fired power stations with renewable energy sources. “Despite coal-fired power generation becoming less commercially attractive, some planned coal-fired retirements are being delayed to maintain reliable power to Australia’s electricity grid,” CBA stated.

Similarly, National Australia Bank (NAB), Australia’s top business lender, announced it will no longer finance new thermal coal mining customers or projects. NAB emphasized its commitment to sustainable lending, stating that as of September 2023, it had no corporate lending to thermal coal mining customers. The bank is also ramping up its financing for renewable energy projects and has set multiple decarbonization targets across various sectors.

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Australia’s ruling Labor Party has ambitious goals to derive 82% of the country’s power from renewables by 2030, a significant increase from the current 40%. This policy framework is driving banks like CBA and NAB to rethink their lending strategies, focusing on supporting the transition to a renewable energy future.