Clean Energy Council says 2.6 GW of large-scale clean generation capacity across 12 projects reached FID in Australia in H1 2026, exceeding the 2025 numbers
Nine battery storage projects added 2.3 GW/7.1 GWh of storage capacity, surpassing the additions recorded in all of 2025
The CEC identified predictable approvals, timely transmission, and long-term revenue certainty as essential to sustaining investment
Australia’s large-scale clean energy investment gained momentum in H1 2026, according to Clean Energy Council (CEC). The industry recorded 2.6 GW of generation capacity across 12 projects that reached final investment decision (FID) during the period, exceeding the 2.3 GW recorded in all of 2025, led by solar and hybrid solar-and-battery projects. 11 of these were solar or solar hybrids.
The report also highlights progress in new generation capacity moving into operation. During H1 2026, five generation projects with a combined capacity of 1.4 GW and investment exceeding AUD 2.8 billion were commissioned. “The rolling average for commissioned capacity (912 MW) is the highest since early 2022, up 56 per cent on a year earlier,” reads the report.
Battery storage recorded strong growth during the six-month period. At least nine utility-scale battery projects came online, representing an investment of AUD 4.3 billion and adding 2.3 GW of power and 7.1 GWh of storage capacity. These additions exceeded the 2 GW of power capacity and 5.1 GWh of storage installed in all of 2025.
Among all Australian states, Queensland accounted for AUD 9.6 billion in clean energy projects that were under construction or at financial close at the end of the reporting period, representing 4.5 GW of capacity.
New South Wales had the largest battery storage pipeline, with 4.3 GW of power and 11.2 GWh of storage capacity.
A substantial investment pipeline is progressing toward delivery, according to the council’s assessment. Across Australia, 141 renewable generation and storage projects worth approximately AUD 32.5 billion were under construction or had reached financial close.
“But the story is bigger than any one state or territory; across Australia, investors are backing the technologies they know will power our economic future and strengthen our energy security,” stressed Clean Energy Council CEO Jackie Trad.
The CEC links the expansion of renewable generation and battery storage to lower wholesale electricity prices and improved energy security. It says that wholesale electricity prices averaged AUD 74 per MWh in the June quarter, down 47% from the same period in 2025. The industry body, however, adds that while additional renewable generation and storage were putting downward pressure on prices, wholesale costs represent only one component of household electricity bills. Network costs continue to rise in some regions.
The council has argued that greater reliance on domestic solar and wind resources can reduce Australia’s exposure to international fossil fuel price shocks and supply disruptions.
Despite the stronger first-half results, the CEC said continued investment would depend on predictable approval processes, timely transmission infrastructure and long-term revenue certainty. This will enable projects to progress from development and financial close to construction and operation.
Titled Bi-annual Investment Report: Large-scale Renewable Generation and Storage, January–June 2026, the report is available for free download on the Clean Energy Council’s website.
Australia is also seeing continued growth in rooftop solar. According to the CEC, the country increased new rooftop solar capacity additions in H1 2026 by 41% year-on-year (YoY), along with faster growth for home battery installations (see Australia Adds ‘Record’ Rooftop Solar, Batteries In H1 2026).
