The article examines contrasting trends in Australia's renewable energy pipeline, noting that while solar and battery projects are leading grid connections through AEMO's system, wind projects are accumulating in the EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation) approval queue, providing insight into deployment momentum and regulatory bottlenecks across technologies.
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has set the cost to customers for Basslink as the troubled interconnector transitions to a regulated asset. This development occurs as early works and legal challenges progress for the Marinus Link project, which is intended to provide additional interconnection capacity.
WattClarity examines whether AEMO's materially increased wind capacity factor assumptions in the draft 2026 ISP are realistic by comparing them against actual capacity and availability factors observed across NEM wind units in 2025, providing critical validation of the planning assumptions underpinning Australia's energy transition roadmap.
Preliminary construction works have commenced at a Latrobe Valley wind farm owned by State Electricity Commission (SEC), with initial activities including installation of five 130,000-litre firefighting water tanks at the forest-based site.
Two onshore wind farms, Dinawan and Bullawah, have encountered planning delays due to objections from long-distance opponents and concerns about impacts on whale migration. The article discusses community division and environmental considerations affecting state-level wind farm approvals in Australia.
Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation has launched an expression of interest process for commercial and industrial customers to purchase renewable energy from its expanding large-scale clean energy project portfolio in the Pilbara region. This represents a major initiative to secure long-term offtake commitments for utility-scale renewable projects.
An alliance of 11 industry, environment and union groups has proposed to the federal government that data centre operators be mandated to invest in 100% new renewable energy to power their operations, while also funding energy workforce training. This policy proposal aims to ensure data centres contribute to Australia's clean energy transition and support renewable energy infrastructure development.
An Australian high voltage transformer at the Waratah Super Battery failed in 2025. The manufacturer has begun production of a replacement unit, with delivery expected in Q3 2026. This represents a significant grid infrastructure repair affecting a major BESS asset supporting renewable energy integration.
The article examines how large-scale battery storage has become integral to NEM operations over the past 12 months, with changing value drivers as home battery systems increasingly participate in the market. It discusses the shifting competitive dynamics between utility-scale batteries, fossil generators, and distributed residential storage in Australia's energy transition.
Neoen has received federal environmental approval for the first two stages of a major renewables precinct in South Australia that includes wind, solar, and battery storage components. This approval is a significant milestone in the project's development pathway.
A NSW wind farm project that drew criticism from federal politician Barnaby Joyce has been referred to the Independent Planning Commission for assessment, with over 550 public objections submitted alongside supportive submissions during the consultation period.
Malaysia's prime minister announced restrictions on non-AI data centres to protect domestic consumers and grid stability, with potential reliance on the ASEAN Power Grid project to address supply shortfalls. This reflects growing tension between data centre expansion and electricity system capacity across the region.
Industry, unions, community and environment groups have issued a joint statement to the federal government outlining eight responsible data centre principles, including requirements for data centres to install their own renewable energy generation, train new skilled workers, and use water responsibly. This coordinated advocacy signals growing pressure on data centre operators to source renewable power, which will substantially increase demand for wind and other renewable projects across Australia.
ACEREZ has launched a three-year Community Grants Program providing funding for innovation, local connections, and opportunities in the Central-West Orana REZ. The program complements EnergyCo's Community and Employment Benefit Program, creating multiple funding streams for the region as part of broader REZ development.
The Queensland Renewable Energy Council welcomes the Energy Roadmap Amendment Bill 2025, which reinforces renewable energy's role in delivering low-cost, low-emissions electricity across Queensland. The Bill shifts focus from renewable energy targets to greenhouse gas emissions reduction, with implications for how wind projects are prioritized and developed in the state.
The Clean Energy Council and Queensland Renewable Energy Council have jointly announced a national approach to renewable energy project decommissioning and financial security arrangements. This industry-first framework aims to provide farmers with greater certainty regarding land restoration and financial obligations while maintaining project economic viability for renewable energy operators.
The Queensland Renewable Energy Council has submitted recommendations to Parliament regarding the State's Energy Roadmap legislation, advocating for retention of legislated renewable energy targets of 50% and stronger policy commitments to ensure reliable and affordable electricity supply as the state transitions its energy system.