Energy / Resources

Dear Minister,

I am writing to urge a critical re-evaluation of the Australian Government’s 82 per cent renewable target for 2030 (part of your Powering Australia plan) and its long-term trajectory toward a near-100 per cent intermittent grid. While the ambition for a low-carbon future is shared, the 2026 global energy landscape provides a stark warning: the “free fuel” nature of wind and solar does not translate to lower consumer bills. In fact, as penetration increases, system-wide costs are already accelerating. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Energy / Resources.

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The news that an Iranian drone reportedly struck a U.S.-linked commercial oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz has done more than just spike the price of oil; it’s arguably shattered the fragile market equilibrium we’ve seen since the start of the year. And arguably, as intended, it has distracted everyone from the Epstein files.

At the time of writing Brent and WTI crude were up $US15 to $US107 a barrel. The Nikkei plummeted 4.5 per cent, and U.S. futures have cratered by as much as two per cent. So, why has a single drone strike erased billions in equity value across the globe?

This article was first published in The Australian on 09 March 2026. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Energy / Resources, Global markets, In the Press, Market commentary.

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I joined ABC News to discuss the market reaction to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Surging oil prices and concerns about supply disruptions have rattled global markets, prompting investors to reassess risks and reduce exposure to equities.

Watch here: ABC The Business. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Economics, Energy / Resources, Global markets, Manufacturing, Market commentary, TV Appearances.

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If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve seen the script: The Middle East is a tinderbox, the Strait of Hormuz is a “no-go” zone, and $120 oil is an inevitability according to JP Morgan.

But if you look at the facts and the data, the story falls apart.

Despite the headlines, oil is struggling to hold its gains. Why? Because the “New World Order” of energy isn’t being built in Tehran or Riyadh. It’s being built in North and South Americas and the “war” we’re watching looks more like a managed liquidation of the old guard than a global catastrophe. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Energy / Resources, Market commentary.

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Having returned to work after a little rest and respite, I was recently confronted, nay, berated, by headlines about Labor’s deal to slash borrowing costs for electric vehicles (EVs) as it scrambles to meet climate targets.

While I was away, I saw the chart in Figure 1 and immediately realised the futility of our efforts to influence the global climate, concluding that Labor’s schemes appear to be driven by ideology rather than evidence. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Energy / Resources, Manufacturing, Market commentary.

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I joined Paul Turton on ABC Newcastle Mornings to talk about why markets are holding near all-time highs despite rising geopolitical tensions, soaring gold and silver prices, and growing uncertainty around inflation and interest rates.

We discussed how mining companies are benefiting from strong commodity prices, why consumer spending remains under pressure from rising living costs, and how banks and other key sectors may respond in a more volatile environment. While no one can predict where markets will head next, 2026 is shaping up to be a bumpier year, with investors rotating away from artificial intelligence (AI) stocks and preparing for greater swings as economic and political risks build.

Tune in from 32:41 to hear the full segment: ABC Newcastle Mornings.

continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Economics, Energy / Resources, Global markets, Market commentary, Radio.

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Australia’s longstanding objection to nuclear power stems from a combination of historical, environmental, and political factors. The country has abundant uranium reserves but no operational nuclear power plants, with federal bans under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 prohibiting their construction. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Energy / Resources, Market commentary.

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In a significant step toward revolutionising clean energy production, Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors (SMR) has inked a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Czech engineering powerhouse Škoda JS.

At the heart of the initiative is Rolls-Royce’s innovative 470 megawatt-electric (MWe) pressurized water reactor design. Compact and efficient, each SMR module measures just 16 meters by 4 meters, yet generates low-carbon electricity equivalent to over 150 onshore wind turbines. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Energy / Resources.

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Most of the time, prices for a security or a commodity trade in fairly narrow bands. Sure, prices trend because information isn’t distributed universally, and it takes time and confirmation for people to buy in or sell out, but on a daily (or even weekly) basis, price ranges and volumes are generally pretty narrow. 

A few times every decade, however, you will experience or witness some truly epic moves over very short periods of time. When you see these, it may be helpful to be positioned with cash and access to research. I am not sure if the latest ‘epic’ move turns out to be one of those opportunities, but I do believe it is worthy of further attention. And like I said, they only happen a few times in a decade. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Energy / Resources, Manufacturing.

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The Whyalla Steelworks was established in 1941 and employs 1,100 people. The Mount Isa copper smelter was established in 1953 and employs 550 people, and the Townsville refinery was established in 1959 and employs 500 people. Without enormous government subsidisation, all three businesses look like they will follow the Exxon Mobile refinery, Oceana Glass and plastics makers, Qenos and Trident, into oblivion. continue…

by David Buckland Posted in Energy / Resources, Manufacturing, Market commentary, Property.

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