Feb 17 β€’ 20:06 UTC πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Guardian

Australia news live: record renewable capacity added in last quarter of 2025; wage growth expected to remain on hold

Australia added a record amount of renewable energy capacity to its electricity grid in the last quarter of 2025, surpassing previous highs.

In the final quarter of 2025, Australia achieved a historic milestone by adding an unprecedented volume of renewable energy capacity to its electricity grid. This surge included a combination of nine new wind and solar farms, collectively contributing 2.1 gigawatts (GW) of power, which is significant enough to supply Brisbane's energy needs 1.5 times over. The addition of this new capacity outpaced all other recorded quarters, exceeding the former record of 1.3 GW set in the third quarter of 2021, as highlighted by the Clean Energy Council's quarterly investment report.

Furthermore, the last quarter also marked a remarkable increase in energy storage, with four new utility-scale batteries introduced that totaled 1 gigawatt (GW) and 2.3 gigawatt-hours (GWh). This threefold increase in storage capacity compared to the previous quarter sets a new precedent for energy management in the nation. The largest of these installations is the Melbourne renewable energy hub in Victoria, which boasts a capacity of 600 MW and 1,600 MWh, demonstrating Australia's commitment to enhancing its renewable energy infrastructure.

The Chief Executive of the Clean Energy Council, Jackie Trad, praised these achievements as a groundbreaking moment for the country, particularly as these developments coincided with renewable energy sources supplying over half of the country's electricity grid. This significant shift not only marks a critical step toward energy transition in Australia but also positions the country as a leader in renewable energy on a global scale, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the need for sustainable energy solutions amidst challenges such as wage growth stagnation.

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