Cyan Ventures

🌟 Cyan Ventures end of year review 2024 🌟 Time has flown! Since our official launch in March this year, a lot has happened. We wanted to say a big thank you to our wonderful team, clients and other supporters that have made this first year so memorable.   We started Cyan Ventures due to a simple realisation - to tackle climate change and nature loss, we need to accelerate the clean energy and nature-based transition at a much faster rate – effectively moving 2-5x faster than the current rates of solution deployment. But the transition is not only too slow, but too narrow (in terms of the focus). Our role is to help create and shape the Big Bets needed to transition to a low carbon, green economy. We do this using our research, advisory and project development services. These Big Bets are the new technologies and markets - which, with the right market conditions and regulations, will meaningfully accelerate the breadth and pace of the transition to a nature positive, low carbon, green economy. We aim to make 20 years progress on the sustainability transition in less than 10 years. Check-out a few highlights for us below! ⬇️ Fraser Thompson Shaun Chau Kumbi Gutsa Mai Phuong Nguyen Michael Robinson Bridget Holloway Branden Lay

Interested in the latest developments in sustainability investing? Below are some of the latest updates on major projects, policy changes, and innovative technologies: 🏆 Major project/investment announcements and milestones: 1️⃣ Australia’s largest renewable energy tender has awarded 6.4 GW of solar, wind, and hybrid projects, with NSW hosting most to replace ageing coal generators. Key winners include Andrew Forrest’s green energy ventures, France’s Neoen, and UK-based Elgin Energy, with wind projects dominating and several supported by large batteries. https://lnkd.in/gi9dT4EH 2️⃣ CSIRO and AEMO's GenCost 2024-25 report confirms renewables remain as the lowest-cost electricity generation option for the 7th consecutive year, despite inflation-driven cost variations across technologies. https://lnkd.in/gfdGxjFH 3️⃣ The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced a $35m in equity and debt financing to SAFCO Venture Holdings Limited (SAFCO Ventures) to establish Pakistan’s first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility. https://lnkd.in/gkdJT77M 🏫 Policy developments: 4️⃣ South Africa’s High Court has overturned government plans to add 1,500MW of new coal-fired power to the nation’s electricity grid. https://lnkd.in/d8iyUgdU 5️⃣ Starting Jan. 1, every company in Italy must buy insurance to protect its assets from floods, landslides and other natural hazards that have become more common thanks to global warming. https://lnkd.in/ei_H9HZD 💡 Innovative technologies: 6️⃣ A team of scientists from the University of New South Wales Sydney (UNSW Sydney) have developed an organic material capable of storing protons, allowing them to use it in the creation of a lab-based rechargeable proton battery. https://lnkd.in/g3WjFj-k Fraser Thompson Shaun Chau Kumbi Gutsa Mai Phuong Nguyen Michael Robinson Bridget Holloway Branden Lay #Sustainabilitynews #Sustainableinvesting

We’re pleased to share that Mai Phuong Nguyen has joined Cyan Ventures as an Engagement Manager. We look forward to seeing the impact she will make and thought our network might enjoy learning more about her below⬇️ Why did you decide to join Cyan Ventures? 🤔 What drove me to join Cyan Ventures is Cyan’s entrepreneurial spirit. The transition to net zero requires significant transformations in our economy, in the energy system, the transport system, the building system and the food system. Cyan’s ambition is to identify and develop new large-scale opportunities that have potential to deliver meaningful economic and environmental outcomes. I want to be part of the team bringing those opportunities to life. Tell us a bit about yourself? 🏃♀️🖼 I was born and raised in Vietnam, where I experienced firsthand the profound impact of natural disasters on everyday life. From navigating flooded streets on my way to school to witnessing the havoc brought about by tropical typhoons, these moments made me curious about the complex relationship between nature and the economy, which ultimately led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in environmental economics and an MBA from INSEAD. Today, I have over eight years of experience in economic advisory. I have supported the Australian public sector and major organisations in assessing the impacts of climate change and identifying opportunities to create sustainable solutions for communities and organisations. Outside of my professional life, I love hiking, snorkelling, and travelling to see my family and friends. What is one Big Bet you are personally excited about? ♻️ I am excited about exploring opportunities in the circular economy. I’m inspired by ideas that enable us to make better use of existing resources, or as an economist would say, improve productivity. From rental models that make products accessible to more people, to transforming today’s waste into inputs for tomorrow’s products, the concept of leveraging underutilised resources deeply aligns with my belief in thoughtful design to optimise the finite resources we have.

Interested in the latest developments in sustainability investing? This week brought key announcements at COP29 in Azerbaijan, alongside the Australian Government introducing the Future Made in Australia Bill 2024 to parliament, which includes tax incentives for hydrogen production and critical minerals processing. Below are the latest updates on major projects, policy changes, and innovative technologies: 🏆 Major project/investment announcements and milestones: 1️⃣ The Superpower Institute’s New Energy Trade report highlights Australia’s potential to generate A$1 trillion in clean energy export revenue by 2060, replacing fossil fuel exports with renewable-driven industries. https://lnkd.in/gUWQgKJu 2️⃣ Wealthy nations at COP29 have pledged at least US$300 billion annually by 2035 through various sources, including bilateral and multilateral deals. They also set a goal to mobilise US$1.3 trillion a year, with most funding expected to come from private financing. https://lnkd.in/dUZQm5x9 🏫 Policy developments: 3️⃣ The Future Made in Australia Bill 2024 introduces a $2/kg Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive and a 10% Critical Minerals Processing Tax Incentive, both available for projects operating between 2027–28 and 2039–40 for up to 10 years. https://lnkd.in/gAWQ8D_3 4️⃣ Indonesia to phase out coal and fossil fuel power plants by 2040, 10 years ahead of previous target, aiming for 75GW of renewable energy capacity. https://lnkd.in/gjp_APwy 💡 Innovative technologies: 5️⃣ FPR Energy, a new venture from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has secured A$15 million in seed funding to commercialise next generation solar thermal technology to help reduce industrial emissions. https://lnkd.in/gwpVVRuc Fraser Thompson Shaun Chau Kumbi Gutsa Mai Phuong Nguyen Michael Robinson Bridget Holloway Branden Lay #Sustainabilitynews #Sustainableinvesting

Interested in the key developments in sustainability investing? This week spotlights significant progress, such as Zero Petroleum's plan to establish a synthetic sustainable aviation fuel plant in South Australia and Greece's partnership with the EU to decarbonize its tourism-reliant islands. Here are some of the latest updates on major project announcements and policy developments: 🏆 Major project/investment announcements and milestones: 1️⃣ Origin Energy is expanding the Eraring battery, making it Australia’s largest and one of the world’s biggest. The upgrade adds 700 MWh of storage, turning it into a four-hour battery rated at 460 MW and 1770 MWh, better suited to evening demand peaks. https://lnkd.in/g3KsV_Ku 2️⃣ Zero Petroleum will build a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant in Whyalla, South Australia. The facility, named Plant Zero.SA, will produce synthetic SAF. A feasibility study is underway with support from Adelaide Airport and Qantas. https://lnkd.in/eTYa7kdM 3️⃣The BNP Paribas Future Forest Fund will invest in certified sustainable timber assets across the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, with an initial US$130M raised and a target size of US$500M. https://lnkd.in/dnt8PZyq 🏫 Policy developments: 4️⃣Bolivia plans to sell US$5 billion in carbon offset credits to combat deforestation. The initiative aims to halt forest loss by 2030. Countries and companies can offset emissions by funding climate projects. https://lnkd.in/dQUrwwGc 5️⃣ Greece has signed an agreement with the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to establish a fund supporting its tourism-dependent islands in transitioning away from fossil fuels and lowering energy costs. https://lnkd.in/gwgBMWAM Fraser Thompson Shaun Chau Kumbi Gutsa Michael Robinson Bridget Holloway Branden Lay #Sustainabilitynews #Sustainableinvesting

We are delighted to introduce Branden Lay, who recently joined our Melbourne team as a Senior Business Analyst. Read more about his experience, why he decided to join Cyan and one big bet he is excited about below.⬇ Why did you decide to join Cyan Ventures? 🤔 I was drawn to Cyan Ventures because of its commitment to accelerating the pace of the energy transition. I’m excited to deepen my knowledge of innovative clean energy technologies and markets, and to explore how analytics can intersect with sustainability to address complex environmental challenges. Cyan’s ‘Big Bet’ approach to identifying high-impact green innovations provides an exciting opportunity for me to meaningfully contribute to Australia’s shift towards a greener, low-carbon economy. Tell us a bit about yourself? 🏃♀️ 🖼 I studied a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in Finance at the University of Melbourne. Outside of work, I love all things Melbourne – the coffee culture, fashion scene, and thriving arts community. Because I’m always on the lookout for my next favourite spot, you’ll often find me exploring new cafés, bars, and hidden gems around the city. In my previous roles, I’ve worked alongside major government departments and large organisations. This work has included: 😷 Developing the analytics capabilities for a government organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining data visualisations and automating key reporting functions; 📈 Synthesising data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making in the primary care sector; and ⚡ Supporting the strategic procurement of gas and electricity for large commercial and industrial energy users across Australia. What is one Big Bet you are personally excited about? 🌲 I'm excited about biomass-based green hydrogen. Biomass is seen as one of the most abundant renewable resources for hydrogen production, especially in Australia, where there's plenty of waste and feedstock available. Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide as they grow and make biomass, helping to offset the carbon dioxide released in the conversion process. The biomass-to-hydrogen pathway has the potential to offer a more sustainable hydrogen production option with lower net greenhouse gas emissions.

Trump’s second election victory has many in the clean energy sector worried about implications for the net zero transition. While there are reasons for concern, Cyan Ventures’ analysis suggests the reality may be more nuanced. We draw out 3 important “known” implications and 4 other major implications which are difficult to predict. Explore our insights here⬇️ https://lnkd.in/g4jUJvBv Shaun Chau Fraser Thompson

Cyan Ventures has a new Sydney 🏡 We’re excited to have joined the climate tech community at Greenhouse. If you’re a part of the community or working in the sustainability space in Sydney please reach out, we’d love to have a chat! Shaun Chau Michael Robinson Bridget Holloway

Some of the team at Cyan Ventures (Fraser Thompson and Kumbi Gutsa) attended the All Energy Australia conference in Melbourne on 23-24 October. Check-out some of their key takeaways from the conference in our article below:

🌟Cyan Ventures is hiring🌟 We’re looking for consultants with ideally 2 – 4 years of consulting experience (could be senior analysts, associates or junior managers) with: ♻ Passion for sustainability and desire to work on “Big Bets” in sustainability; 🏢 An entrepreneurial attitude and interest in building a new company; 🤔 Intellectual curiosity that translates towards an eagerness to solve complex problems, proven by research, academic or other extracurricular activities; 🙂 Highly developed empathy and interpersonal skills and a strong drive to contribute to making the world a better place; 🧠 A positive and friendly attitude, alongside intellectual rigor and open-mindedness to face problems from new perspectives; ➕ Technical expertise (e.g. renewables engineering) would be a bonus Join us to work on some Big Bets and make a meaningful impact on the planet! To apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/gCEj-kcP Fraser Thompson Shaun Chau Kumbi Gutsa Michael Robinson Bridget Holloway #hiring #senioranalyst #associate #manager #sustainability #climatechange #strategy #consulting #projectdevelopment