Mallesons has advised the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) on its commitment of up to A$125 million as a cornerstone investor in the newly established A$600 million Australian Ethical Growth Opportunities Fund (Fund).
The commitment will be delivered through the transfer of selected existing CEFC investments into the Fund, establishing a scaled and diversified portfolio across renewable energy, infrastructure, natural capital and climate technology assets. The investment sits alongside a A$500 million seed commitment from Australian Ethical.
The structure enables the CEFC to retain exposure to high-quality climate transition assets while recycling capital into new opportunities, freeing balance sheet capacity to catalyse further investment and crowd in private capital. It also reflects the increasing use of private market vehicles to scale investment across Australia’s decarbonisation pathway.
The Mallesons team was led by M&A Partner Henrik Moritz, supported by Senior Associate Rahul Mukherjee and Solicitor Harry Pottinger-Coombes.
Commenting on the transaction, Henrik Moritz said:
"We are proud to have supported the CEFC on an innovative transaction that allows it to retain exposure to high-quality climate-transition assets while recycling capital into new clean energy opportunities. The transaction also reflects the growing importance of private market structures in supporting Australia's net zero transition."
