KWM Podcasts

Power Perspectives Episode 2: Dissecting the Nelson Review

King & Wood Mallesons

Hosts: Rod Smythe, Shirley Cheng, Vishal Ahuja

Duration: 16.35

Summary: 

In this episode of Power Perspectives, KWM’s Rod Smythe, Shirley Cheng, and Vishal Ahuja break down the Nelson Review, a major government-backed initiative set to drive investment in firmed renewables and storage on Australia’s East Coast.

The team explores the Review’s headline reforms and what they mean for investors, developers and energy sector stakeholders. They discuss how the proposed changes aim to boost market confidence, improve contract liquidity and facilitate greater participation from both traditional and emerging energy technologies.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • The Electricity Services Entry Mechanism (ESEM) 
  • Standardised contracts and market liquidity
  • Mandatory Market Making Obligation regime and its impact on contract availability
  • Increasing participation from virtual power plants, batteries and large energy users
  • Opportunities and challenges for long-duration storage and firming services

Tune in to hear how the Nelson Review could reshape Australia’s energy market and what it means for those navigating the energy transition.