In the second quarter of 2026, rooftop solar installations in Australia reached a new record of 1 gigawatt, with many systems being paired with batteries through the Cheaper Home Batteries scheme. Home battery installations also saw a record high, with over 111,000 approved batteries installed. This surge in consumer energy resources is impacting the grid by lowering wholesale prices and decreasing grid demand. Furthermore, large-scale solar investment hit a record high in the quarter, indicating a significant acceleration in the transition towards renewable energy solutions.
Tag: Australia
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Carbon farming is an opportunity for Australian farmers and regions, not a land grab
Carbon projects in Australia are creating new opportunities for farmers, regional communities, and land managers by bringing investment into agriculture, diversifying farm income, supporting jobs, and delivering environmental benefits. These projects encompass a variety of practices such as soil carbon management, improved grazing, regeneration, and plantation forestry. A credible and high-integrity ACCU scheme is essential for ensuring genuine, measurable, and lasting climate outcomes. Carbon projects can provide diversified income, improved cash flow, and greater resilience for landholders while complementing traditional food and fibre production. Additionally, these projects contribute to regional economic development, create jobs, and strengthen biodiversity outcomes by restoring vegetation, improving soils, and protecting waterways. Active land management, including controlling pests and invasive species, managing fire risk, and maintaining land according to project commitments, is crucial for restoring Australia's degraded rangelands. Carbon markets can incentivize environmental stewardship by putting a value on carbon projects that deliver climate and biodiversity benefits. Private capital is driving investment in Australian agriculture through carbon farming, with the Safeguard Mechanism creating a market signal for emissions reduction. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation can help de-risk investments and attract private capital for projects that deliver measurable climate and environmental outcomes. Carbon farming is seen as an investment in the future of Australian agriculture and regional economies, rather than a land grab.
https://carbonmarketinstitute.org/2026/08/28/carbon-farming-opportunity/
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Gina Rinehart’s flagship mine supplying EVs is operating at an average 93 pct renewables so far this year
Remote mining operations in Australia, such as Mt Weld, Bellevue gold mine, and Kathleen Valley mine, are achieving high levels of renewable energy integration, with some reaching between 80-90% renewables. Zenith Energy, which operates these hybrid power projects, emphasizes that these systems can maintain reliable supply in demanding environments, challenging the perception that high-renewable energy systems cannot support energy-intensive industrial operations. The success of these remote mining operations demonstrates the technical and commercial feasibility of high-renewable energy systems in Australia, broadening the discussion on what is achievable across the wider economy. Despite initial skepticism, the Mt Weld rare earths mine, owned by Lynas Rare Earths and backed by Gina Rinehart, is operating at an average of 93% renewables, exceeding expectations. The hybrid power plant at the mine combines wind, solar, battery, and diesel systems, resulting in cost savings, increased efficiency, and reduced emissions. Lynas sees future markets for its rare earths in electric vehicles, industry electrification, and wind turbines, showcasing the potential for high renewable shares in a larger grid and the promise of technologies like grid forming inverters for grid stability.
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‘Watershed moment’: Australia launches first offshore wind auction
Australia has recently launched its first offshore wind auction, a significant step forward for renewable energy in the country. Despite previous delays, the auction for offshore wind farms is now in progress, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese demonstrating strong support for renewable energy and offshore wind projects. This development signals a promising shift towards sustainable energy solutions in Australia's efforts to combat climate change.
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Linking electricity and safeguards could make wind projects viable, and oblige gentailers to actually Do Something
Linking electricity to the federal government's safeguards mechanism scheme would cover over half of Australia's emissions and provide price support for renewables, incentivizing the purchase of new renewable energy certificates by gentailers. The proposal aims to bring electricity sector emissions into safeguards with a baseline of 114 million tonnes, declining 6% annually, with renewable electricity certificates eligible as compliance units. This inclusion significantly increases abatement demand, with 15 GW of new renewables expected to receive price support by 2036. The article also discusses the impact of a growing gap in the closure schedule of coal plants on prices and supply in the carbon market, highlighting potential abatement outcomes.
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It’s time for a plug-in revolution: The harsh reality of trying to drive electrification and PV for apartments
The Victorian parliamentary report on 'Renewable and Affordable Energy for Apartments' emphasizes the need to shift focus to consumer-side measures for existing and new apartment buildings, promoting energy efficiency, storage, and smart management. The 'plug-in revolution' advocates for addressing electricity consumption challenges in older apartments with modern appliances. Additionally, the potential of 'smart' small batteries is highlighted to reduce electricity demand, especially in the context of emerging Electric Vehicle charging needs. Utilizing EVs to power homes in Australia is suggested as a faster and more affordable solution, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from past practices for a sustainable energy system.
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Curfews and weight limits: EV lobby hails heavy vehicle reform package to ease path for electric trucks
The federal government has committed $400 million to a heavy vehicle reform package aimed at improving productivity, reducing red tape, and increasing the uptake of zero-emission vehicles. The Productivity Commission found that productivity growth in the road freight sector has stalled, but new technology and vehicle design offer opportunities to improve emissions outcomes. Reforms to increase access for high productivity vehicles and zero emissions trucks could boost GDP by up to $4 billion annually. The funding agreement aims to remove regulatory barriers, improve charging infrastructure, and modify weight limits to support the growth of electric trucks in Australia. Industry bodies and the Electric Vehicle Council have welcomed the changes, highlighting the benefits of electric trucks for productivity, fuel security, and economic competitiveness. Australia has the opportunity to build a more efficient and sustainable freight system by removing barriers that hinder investment in new technologies, accelerating investment, improving productivity, and supporting the transition to low-emissions freight.
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“It’s literally life-changing for us:” The drought-stricken farmers looking to wind and solar to secure their future
The Sutherlands, sixth-generation farmers in northern NSW, faced a devastating drought in 2019 that turned their farms into dustbowls. They are now looking to renewable energy as a solution, setting aside half of their property for a solar farm expansion. The NSW government will pay them for hosting part of the transmission line, providing guaranteed revenues to help the farm ride out fluctuating weather and reduce debt. The success of this renewable energy project is crucial for the Sutherlands' succession plans and the prosperity of their farm. In New England, Australia, farmers are considering hosting wind turbines and solar panels on their land to diversify operations and create jobs in a renewable energy zone. Despite some opposition, many in the community support the development of renewable energy projects to drought-proof farming and boost the local economy.
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Australia’s biggest battery project slashes footprint by 20 pct as it mulls multi-gigawatt hour extension
The owners and suppliers of Australia's biggest battery project, the Supernode battery, have reduced its footprint by 20% and are considering an extension to provide over 5 gigawatt hours of storage. The battery is owned by Quinbrook Infrastructure Services and contracted to Origin Energy, with plans for further expansion. Chinese battery giant CATL supplied the batteries for the project, which are designed to be more efficient and have higher density. The project highlights the rapid advancements in battery technology and the shift towards longer duration storage solutions in the energy market.
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Power plays: Tomago’s big green switch, the Big 3’s lack of ambition, and why Snowy must change its stripes
The country's biggest energy utilities, such as AGL and Origin, are focusing on transitioning to renewables, with good execution and reliability but poor future investment outlook. The biggest aluminium smelter is transitioning to 100% renewables with government funds and Snowy providing electricity. The ISP demonstrates that the NEM can run without coal or nuclear, using a mix of renewable and traditional energy sources. Major energy companies in Australia, like AGL, are urged to decarbonize and adapt to structural changes in the market to support climate solutions. Snowy is highlighted as a key player in the market for firming generation, with a need to balance supply and demand to avoid volatility and rising consumer costs.