Australia’s clean energy build-out has accelerated sharply, with more large-scale battery storage switched on during the first half of 2026 than across all of 2025.
Nine utility-scale batteries representing 2.3 gigawatts and 7.1 gigawatt-hours of storage entered operation between January and June, according to the latest industry investment data.
That surpassed the 2 gigawatts and 5.1 gigawatt-hours commissioned during the whole of last year.
Investment in new renewable generation also strengthened, with 12 projects totalling 2.6 gigawatts reaching final investment decision during the first half.
That was already more than the 2.3 gigawatts committed during all of 2025.
The Australian Energy Market Operator says batteries now account for more than half of all generation and storage capacity moving through the National Electricity Market connection process.
Around 80.9 gigawatts of new projects are currently seeking connection, exceeding the existing capacity of the NEM for the first time.
Grid-scale batteries account for 55% of that pipeline, followed by hybrid solar-and-storage developments at 19%.
The rapid build-out reflects the growing need for flexible capacity as coal plants retire and renewable generation becomes a larger share of Australia’s electricity system.
Batteries can store excess solar and wind power when supply is high and release electricity during periods of peak demand or low renewable output.
The figures suggest Australia’s energy transition is increasingly moving beyond project announcements and into physical infrastructure capable of supporting a grid dominated by intermittent renewable generation.
