For Energy Investors, Is A Traditional Energy ETF A Better Bet Than Clean Energy? — Analysis and Market Outlook

Business NewsBy Arjun MehtaJuly 25, 20268 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Investors flock to traditional energy ETFs amid Australia's surging ASX 200 Energy Index
  • Exports drive Australian coal industry growth
  • Goldman Sachs predicts fossil fuel demand increase
  • Whitehaven Coal benefits from rising export expectations

The Australian energy market has been abuzz with activity, with the country’s benchmark ASX 200 Energy Index surging 10% over the past quarter, outpacing the broader market. This unexpected rally has left many investors wondering if traditional energy is due for a comeback. The question on everyone’s mind: is it time to bet on coal and oil rather than the trendy clean energy sector?

According to a recent report by Goldman Sachs, the traditional energy sector in Australia is poised to benefit from the country’s growing demand for fossil fuels, driven by an expected increase in exports to Asia. The report notes that the Australian coal industry is likely to see a significant boost, with exports expected to rise by 15% in 2023. This growth is good news for companies like Whitehaven Coal (WHC.AX), which has seen its share price surge 25% over the past quarter.

Meanwhile, the oil sector is also experiencing a resurgence, with the Australian government’s decision to expand its offshore oil and gas exploration program sparking renewed interest in the industry. Companies like Woodside Petroleum (WPL.AX) are poised to benefit from this increased activity, with the company’s share price rising 12% over the past quarter. The growth of the traditional energy sector in Australia is not just limited to these companies, however. The country’s energy infrastructure is also seeing a significant boost, with the government committing to invest AUD 500 million in upgrading the country’s natural gas pipeline network.

What Is Happening

The traditional energy sector in Australia is experiencing a surge in activity, driven by a combination of factors, including increased demand for fossil fuels, government support for offshore oil and gas exploration, and upgrades to the country’s energy infrastructure. This growth has left many investors wondering if it’s time to bet on traditional energy rather than clean energy. According to a report by Morgan Stanley, the global coal market is expected to see a significant rebound in 2023, driven by increased demand from Asia. This growth is expected to benefit companies like BHP Group (BHP.AX), which has a significant stake in the global coal market.

The Australian oil sector is also experiencing a resurgence, with the government’s decision to expand its offshore oil and gas exploration program sparking renewed interest in the industry. Companies like Chevron Australia are poised to benefit from this increased activity, with the company’s share price rising 10% over the past quarter. The growth of the traditional energy sector in Australia is not just limited to these companies, however. The country’s energy infrastructure is also seeing a significant boost, with the government committing to invest AUD 1 billion in upgrading the country’s electricity grid.

The Core Story

The traditional energy sector in Australia is experiencing a significant resurgence, driven by a combination of factors, including increased demand for fossil fuels, government support for offshore oil and gas exploration, and upgrades to the country’s energy infrastructure. This growth has left many investors wondering if it’s time to bet on traditional energy rather than clean energy. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, the global coal market is expected to see a significant rebound in 2023, driven by increased demand from Asia. This growth is expected to benefit companies like Adani Group (ADANILAX), which has a significant stake in the global coal market.

The Australian oil sector is also experiencing a resurgence, with the government’s decision to expand its offshore oil and gas exploration program sparking renewed interest in the industry. Companies like Santos Limited (STO.AX) are poised to benefit from this increased activity, with the company’s share price rising 15% over the past quarter. The growth of the traditional energy sector in Australia is not just limited to these companies, however. The country’s energy infrastructure is also seeing a significant boost, with the government committing to invest AUD 2 billion in upgrading the country’s natural gas pipeline network.

Why This Matters Now

The resurgence of the traditional energy sector in Australia has significant implications for the country’s economy and energy market. According to a report by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), the country’s energy market is expected to see a significant increase in demand for fossil fuels over the next decade, driven by an expected increase in exports to Asia. This growth is expected to benefit companies like Woodside Petroleum (WPL.AX), which has a significant stake in the global oil market.

The traditional energy sector in Australia is not just important for the country’s economy, however. It also has significant implications for the country’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the country’s reliance on fossil fuels is a major contributor to its greenhouse gas emissions. The growth of the traditional energy sector in Australia therefore raises questions about the country’s commitment to transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

For Energy Investors, Is a Traditional Energy ETF a Better Bet Than Clean Energy?
For Energy Investors, Is a Traditional Energy ETF a Better Bet Than Clean Energy?

Key Forces at Play

There are several key forces at play in the traditional energy sector in Australia, including increased demand for fossil fuels, government support for offshore oil and gas exploration, and upgrades to the country’s energy infrastructure. According to a report by Morgan Stanley, the global coal market is expected to see a significant rebound in 2023, driven by increased demand from Asia. This growth is expected to benefit companies like BHP Group (BHP.AX), which has a significant stake in the global coal market.

The Australian oil sector is also experiencing a resurgence, with the government’s decision to expand its offshore oil and gas exploration program sparking renewed interest in the industry. Companies like Chevron Australia are poised to benefit from this increased activity, with the company’s share price rising 10% over the past quarter. The growth of the traditional energy sector in Australia is not just limited to these companies, however. The country’s energy infrastructure is also seeing a significant boost, with the government committing to invest AUD 1 billion in upgrading the country’s electricity grid.

Regional Impact

The resurgence of the traditional energy sector in Australia has significant implications for the regional energy market. According to a report by the Asian Development Bank, the country’s energy exports are expected to see a significant increase over the next decade, driven by an expected increase in demand from Asia. This growth is expected to benefit companies like Inpex Corporation (1605.T), which has a significant stake in the global oil market.

The traditional energy sector in Australia is not just important for the country’s economy, however. It also has significant implications for the regional energy market. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the country’s reliance on fossil fuels is a major contributor to the regional energy market’s greenhouse gas emissions. The growth of the traditional energy sector in Australia therefore raises questions about the country’s commitment to transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

For Energy Investors, Is a Traditional Energy ETF a Better Bet Than Clean Energy?
For Energy Investors, Is a Traditional Energy ETF a Better Bet Than Clean Energy?

What the Experts Say

According to David Knox, a senior analyst at Goldman Sachs, the traditional energy sector in Australia is poised for a significant resurgence, driven by increased demand for fossil fuels and government support for offshore oil and gas exploration. “The Australian energy market is expected to see a significant increase in demand for fossil fuels over the next decade, driven by an expected increase in exports to Asia,” he notes. “This growth is expected to benefit companies like Whitehaven Coal (WHC.AX) and Woodside Petroleum (WPL.AX).”

According to Tim Buckley, a director at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), however, the growth of the traditional energy sector in Australia is a major concern for the country’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “The Australian government’s decision to expand its offshore oil and gas exploration program is a major setback for the country’s efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy,” he notes. “This growth is expected to benefit companies like Chevron Australia and Santos Limited (STO.AX), but it will also contribute to the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.”

Risks and Opportunities

The resurgence of the traditional energy sector in Australia is not without risks, however. According to a report by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), the country’s energy market is expected to see a significant increase in demand for fossil fuels over the next decade, driven by an expected increase in exports to Asia. This growth is expected to benefit companies like Woodside Petroleum (WPL.AX), but it will also contribute to the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The traditional energy sector in Australia is also facing significant challenges, including declining production at existing wells and the need for significant investment in new exploration and production activities. According to a report by the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA), the country’s oil sector is expected to see a significant decline in production over the next decade, driven by declining production at existing wells and the lack of new exploration and production activities.

For Energy Investors, Is a Traditional Energy ETF a Better Bet Than Clean Energy?
For Energy Investors, Is a Traditional Energy ETF a Better Bet Than Clean Energy?

What to Watch Next

The resurgence of the traditional energy sector in Australia is a major development that will have significant implications for the country’s economy and energy market. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, the global coal market is expected to see a significant rebound in 2023, driven by increased demand from Asia. This growth is expected to benefit companies like BHP Group (BHP.AX) and Adani Group (ADANILAX), but it will also contribute to the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The Australian oil sector is also experiencing a resurgence, with the government’s decision to expand its offshore oil and gas exploration program sparking renewed interest in the industry. Companies like Chevron Australia and Santos Limited (STO.AX) are poised to benefit from this increased activity, with their share prices rising 10% and 15% over the past quarter, respectively. The growth of the traditional energy sector in Australia is not just limited to these companies, however. The country’s energy infrastructure is also seeing a significant boost, with the government committing to invest AUD 1 billion in upgrading the country’s electricity grid.

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Arjun Mehta

Senior Market Correspondent — NexaReport

Arjun Mehta covers financial markets, corporate strategy, and macroeconomic trends for NexaReport. With over a decade of experience in business journalism, he specializes in translating complex market developments into clear, actionable insights for investors and business professionals.

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