Wholesale power prices hit a six-year low, with 9 GW of battery storage taming data centre demand. But with VPP uptake lagging, is Australia leaving value on the table?
AEMO reports Q2 2026 wholesale electricity prices averaged $74/MWh, a six-year low driven by 480,000 home battery installations and a total storage capacity reaching 9GW. Increased renewable output and mild weather reduced gas reliance, cutting Victorian prices by 60% to $56/MWh while NEM emissions hit record quarterly lows.
The ACCC reports that fewer than 25% of Australian battery owners participate in Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) despite these participants typically having the lowest electricity bills. While consumer interest remains high, the regulator identifies poor awareness and perceived lack of financial incentives as primary barriers to adoption.
Climate advocacy groups are urging state and federal energy ministers to mandate that new data centres procure their own renewable energy supply. The proposal aims to prevent rising electricity costs for general consumers as the sector's rapid expansion places increasing pressure on the Australian power grid.
Australian wholesale electricity prices have dropped significantly as increased wind generation displaces coal and battery storage reduces gas reliance. Gas generation reached a 23-year low during this period, while household storage systems helped flatten evening demand peaks across the grid.
AusNet has signed a $300 million agreement with South Korea’s Hyosung Heavy Industries to procure up to 45 power transformers. This strategic contract aims to bolster Victoria's electricity grid and mitigate risks associated with international supply chain volatility.
The project is one of five awarded by the Costa Rican Electricity Institute in 2024 that will add a combined 86 MW of new solar capacity.
Researchers in Spain have developed a conditional diffusion-based model to improve the visibility of behind-the-meter PV systems using low-resolution smart meter data.
A tender is open in Lebanon covering five grid-connected solar projects with a combined capacity of 350 MW, to be paired with up to 1 GWh of battery storage. The deadline to submit expressions of interest is August 31.
CATL reported that its energy storage business contributed 19.23% of total company revenue during the first half of 2026, highlighting the sector's growing importance for the Chinese battery manufacturer.
Adani Energy Solutions has secured an $881 million (Rs85bn) contract to develop an inter-state electricity transmission project located in Andhra Pradesh, India.
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