Energy Weekly — 16 June 2026

New records for wind and battery output in last month of autumn, taking big bite out of coal and gas

May saw record wind and battery output across the National Electricity Market, with NSW becoming the first state to surpass its entire 2025 battery discharge total within just two months of 2026. Queensland also broke its single-day wind generation record on 12 May. Combined, the renewable surge pushed gas and black coal generation lower compared to the same period last year.

🔗 Read more  |  Source: RenewEconomy

One of the highest impact decisions for home energy bills is about to be made. Here's why it matters

The Australian Energy Regulator's upcoming rate of return determination will directly affect what households pay for electricity network infrastructure. Energy Consumers Australia argues the rate can be lowered further without deterring investment, noting that the vast majority of regulated networks have actually overspent on capital forecasts, suggesting the current rate is not constraining needed investment.

🔗 Read more  |  Source: RenewEconomy

State green bank backs four new big batteries in first investment to fill gaps from coal exit

The NSW Energy Security Corporation has made its first investment, committing $100 million in senior debt to fast-track four big battery projects by Plus Grid Storage, an Ausgrid offshoot. The batteries at Steel River, Homebush, and other Sydney locations will deliver 1 GW of capacity by 2031, timed to fill the gap left by the anticipated closure of the Eraring and Vales Point coal generators.

🔗 Read more  |  Source: RenewEconomy

Plans for Australia's biggest wind farm scaled back, with solar and big battery added to create huge hybrid

The proposed MacIntyre Wind Precinct in north Queensland has been redesigned from a 5 GW wind-only project into a 1.35 GW hybrid facility combining 136 wind turbines, over 714,000 solar panels, and battery storage. The project sits adjacent to Powerlink's CopperString transmission line and is expected to power more than 500,000 Queensland homes.

🔗 Read more  |  Source: RenewEconomy

GM bets the house on new sodium-ion battery technology in major push into grid-scale storage

General Motors has partnered with Peak Energy to develop sodium-ion battery cells for grid-scale storage, arguing the chemistry is safer, cheaper, and more sustainable than lithium-ion alternatives. Peak Energy claims its passively cooled systems can cut energy storage costs by 20%, with GM developing cells at its Michigan labs while retaining exclusive manufacturing rights.

🔗 Read more  |  Source: RenewEconomy

Unions claim broad support for government funding of renewable energy to power big industry

A national survey of 4,000 Australians found seven in ten support government spending on renewable energy to power manufacturing, while less than a quarter believe energy privatisation has benefited the nation. The Electrical Trades Union and McKell Institute have proposed "Sovereign Power," a Commonwealth-owned agency to build and operate renewable projects providing low-cost power to energy-intensive industries.

🔗 Read more  |  Source: RenewEconomy

Exploration for natural hydrogen expands across Australia, with South Australia seen as potential world leader

Companies are racing to explore for naturally occurring "gold hydrogen" in South Australia's Otway Basin, with the state government awarding exploration licences this year. SA Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis called the resource a potential "global game changer." If found in viable quantities, natural hydrogen could provide a zero-emissions alternative to natural gas.

🔗 Read more  |  Source: ABC News

Climate bomb: Australia's biggest coal mine expansion referred to panel after non-decision by state planners

Glencore and Yancoal's proposed expansion of Hunter Valley coal mines, which would extract an extra 429 million tonnes of thermal coal resulting in over 800 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, has been referred to the NSW Independent Planning Commission after state planners declined to make a recommendation. The Climate Council labelled the project a "climate bomb," while the Planning Department noted net benefits of $5.69 billion to NSW.

🔗 Read more  |  Source: RenewEconomy

Income cap for rooftop solar rebate lowered as scheme clears major new milestone

Victoria's Solar Homes program has surpassed 500,000 discounted upgrades, prompting the government to tighten eligibility from July 1. The household income cap will drop from $210,000 to $150,000 to better target low-income and rental households. The rebate value remains unchanged at up to $1,400 for solar PV and heat pump hot water systems, with interest-free loans also continuing.

🔗 Read more  |  Source: RenewEconomy

Plans to resurrect 2km buffer zone will make new renewable projects "unviable," CEC warns

The Victorian Liberal-National opposition's proposal for a mandatory 2 km buffer between all new renewable projects and residences would sterilise 70% of available land for development, according to Clean Energy Council analysis. The policy would wipe out 26,000 job-years, $3.2 billion in local procurement, and $213 million in community benefit payments by 2035. The opposition argues the rule would be "rebuttable."

🔗 Read more  |  Source: RenewEconomy

More than just a COP headline: 35 pct electrification target is a global competitiveness test

Analysis argues the 35% electrification target debated at COP is actually closer to 55% of useful energy services when accounting for the inefficiency of fossil fuel combustion. Countries that electrify transport, heat, and industry gain compounding advantages, while those treating electrification as a power-sector-only issue risk falling behind in global competitiveness.

🔗 Read more  |  Source: RenewEconomy

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