Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)

AEMO’s latest Quarterly Energy Dynamics (QED) report highlights how renewables, batteries and consumer energy resources continued to reshape electricity and gas markets through the June quarter. During the quarter in the National Electricity Market (NEM), 14 new generation and storage projects totaling 3.9 gigawatts (GW) were commissioned to full output, while household battery capacity grew by 3,283 megawatt hours (MWh) or 41%. Grid-scale battery capacity more than doubled in the NEM over the past year to exceed 9 GW. AEMO Executive General Manager, Policy & Corporate Affairs, Violette Mouchaileh said: "Record renewable generation, combined with growing battery storage and consumer energy resources, continues to reshape Australia's energy markets." "These technologies are changing demand patterns, supporting system reliability and increasing the amount of lower-cost energy available across the markets." These changes helped reduce reliance on higher-cost thermal and hydro generation, contributing to a 47% fall in average wholesale electricity prices across the NEM compared with the same quarter last year – the lowest June quarter average since 2020. The report also highlights the continued evolution of Western Australia's electricity market, where more than 1 GW of additional grid-scale and 288 MWh residential battery capacity has entered the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) since Q2 2025, increasing battery participation across energy and essential system service markets while strengthening competition and system security. 🗎 Read the full Q2 2026 QED: https://lnkd.in/dJY2eQMA 🗞️ Media release: https://lnkd.in/dbMtzGN7

The Australian Government has launched the Developer Rating Scheme (DRS), which aims to improve how renewable energy businesses engage with communities during the development of clean energy projects. The scheme will provide independent assessments of participating renewable energy businesses and includes a public register for eligible participants. Further information, including details on participation and assessment processes, is available on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water's webpage: https://lnkd.in/gmYfndQS 

AEMO's latest Connections Scorecard shows 9.1 GW of new generation and storage capacity reached full output during FY26 – a record result and more than double the capacity delivered in FY25. The June quarter also delivered strong outcomes, with: 📈 A quarterly record 32 project applications approved, representing 6.9 GW of capacity ⚡ 8 projects (1.5 GW) achieving registration 🔋 14 projects (3.9 GW) reaching full output Battery projects continue to dominate the connections pipeline, accounting for 52% of capacity currently progressing through the process, while hybrid solar and battery developments and record levels of wind applications demonstrate the growing diversity of Australia's future energy mix. AEMO Group Manager Onboarding and Connections, Margarida Pimentel, said: "Together, these technologies will play an important role in delivering the diverse mix of resources needed to support Australia's energy transition." 🗎 To view the full scorecard: https://bit.ly/4fbrFen 🗞️ Media release: https://bit.ly/4yB2PfE

Australia’s national science agency, the CSIRO has today published the GenCost 2025–26 Final Report. Now in its eighth year, GenCost provides Australia's annual independent assessment of electricity generation, storage and hydrogen technology costs and reflects extensive collaboration between CSIRO, AEMO, and industry stakeholders. This year's report finds renewable generation supported by storage continues to represent the lowest-cost pathway for Australia's future electricity system under a net zero emissions scenario, while falling battery costs are continuing to reshape electricity markets. AEMO Executive General Manager System Design Nicola Falcon said: "GenCost continues to be a respected example of collaboration between CSIRO and AEMO, providing trusted, independent insights that support planning for Australia's future electricity system." 🗎 Read the report: www.csiro.au/gencost  🗞️ AEMO media release: https://lnkd.in/gFrm6QMF

At AEMO, flexibility is about supporting our people to do their best work while navigating the realities of everyday life. We're proud to be featured by WORK180 and proud of the inclusive and people-centred culture we're continuing to build. We know flexibility isn't one-size-fits-all — it evolves with life's different stages, whether you're studying, caring for others, managing your health or disability, or pursuing passions outside of work. To learn more about AEMO and explore current job opportunities, click here: https://lnkd.in/gNxSkerr Read the article from WORK180, here: https://lnkd.in/gjnvTZjJ #WorkplaceFlexibility #AEMO #WORK180 #Inclusion #FlexibleWork #CareersAtAEMO #ChampionsofChange

As we recognise the 2026 NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly, we're reflecting on the resilience, history, cultures, achievements and ongoing leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This week has been an opportunity for our people to listen, learn and deepen our understanding of the contributions First Nations peoples continue to make across Australian life. Earlier this year, AEMO launched its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), developed in partnership with yamagigu. Our RAP sets out meaningful actions to strengthen relationships, create opportunities and contribute to a more inclusive energy future. Reconciliation is a shared journey, and we're committed to playing our part. Learn more about AEMO's Innovate RAP below. https://lnkd.in/gpTnMHR4 #NAIDOCWeek2026 #50YearsofDeadly #Reconciliation #FirstNations #AEMO

Data centres are growing rapidly across Australia, but what does that mean for the power system? In this episode of AEMO On Air, AEMO Group Manager Onboarding and Connections, Margarida Pimentel, explains how AEMO is preparing for the rise of large new electricity loads while maintaining a secure and reliable grid. The conversation explores how AEMO supports new data centre connections, improves demand forecasting, develops technical standards, and works with industry to manage growth. It also looks at what Australia is learning from overseas markets already experiencing rapid data centre expansion. With data centres currently accounting for around 2% of grid-supplied electricity demand and forecast to grow to around 6% by 2030, early planning and coordination will be critical. While media headlines often focus on the size of proposed projects, the reality is that data centres don't reach their full electricity demand on day one. Facilities are developed progressively and can take five to ten years to ramp up to their ultimate capacity, giving the energy sector time to plan and coordinate the generation, storage and network investment needed to support that growth. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform: 🎧Spotify: https://bit.ly/4beaLcq 🎧Apple: https://bit.ly/4yh1nyM

A persistent cold weather system, lingering morning fog and low cloud kept temperatures low and reduced rooftop solar generation, driving electricity demand to record winter levels yesterday. At 6:30pm (AEST), Victoria recorded a new winter maximum operational demand record of 8,955 MW, surpassing the previous record of 8,818 MW set on 25 June 2025. Yesterday morning, demand reached 8,666 MW at 9:00am (AEST), setting a new morning peak operational demand record for the state – 184 MW higher than the previous record set on Monday. These records reflect a broader trend, with increasing electrification, fuel switching, and load growth driving higher winter demand. In fact, 19 of Victoria's top 20 winter operational demand days have occurred in the past three winters, with six of the top 10 already recorded this winter. The cold conditions are forecast to continue with further records possible. These events highlight the critical role of system planning and operational readiness in maintaining a reliable electricity supply as demand continues to grow across Australia's energy systems.

Following the release of the 2026 Integrated System Plan (ISP), AEMO CEO Daniel Westerman joins AEMO On Air to discuss the roadmap shaping Australia's energy future, as electricity consumption continues to grow through electrification and ageing coal-fired power stations progressively retire. In this episode, Daniel explains why the ISP continues to identify renewables, connected to networks, firmed by storage and backed by gas, as the lowest-cost pathway to maintaining a secure and reliable power system, while meeting government policy. He also explores how consumer energy resources are influencing long-term planning. Hear how the ISP has evolved, what it means for industry, governments and consumers, and why timely investment across the whole energy system is critical to delivering reliable, low-cost electricity for Australians. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform: 🎧Spotify: https://bit.ly/4y44DgW 🎧Apple: https://bit.ly/4eT9KYe 📖Read the full report: https://bit.ly/4f3jikE 📊Explainer: https://bit.ly/43X83Eh 🗎 Infographic: https://bit.ly/4uT8WZq

The future of Australia's electricity system is taking shape. Join AEMO's upcoming webinar on the 2026 Integrated System Plan (ISP) to hear directly from the experts behind the analysis and explore the key findings of Australia's updated least-cost roadmap for the National Electricity Market. The session will unpack the key insights from the 2026 ISP, including: ⚡ The least-cost pathway to deliver a secure and reliable electricity system while meeting government policy. ⚡ The critical role of renewable energy, storage, transmission, distribution and gas in supporting the energy transition. ⚡ What the findings mean for industry, governments, investors and consumers. 📅 Register now to attend: https://lnkd.in/g5ppjSvj