Energy Minister Chris Bowen submitted two rule change requests to AEMC requiring data centres to firm their demand with regional clean energy contracts and demand flexibility. The proposed rules include load-shedding mandates as penalties for non-compliance. A second rule change request offers streamlined connection pathways for large loads that co-locate with renewable energy and storage facilities.
AEMO directed AusNet to briefly disconnect three Victorian wind farms for system strength on the morning of 28 October. The market intervention affected the Macarthur, Golden Plains and Stockyard Hill wind farms. AEMO also issued notices that prices for the 10:25 and 10:30 trading intervals on 28 October were subject to review.
The NEM recorded a mean price of $92.0/MWh, with Queensland averaging $114.8/MWh. South Australia reached a high of $349/MWh at 06:00 and a low of -$232/MWh at 15:30, accumulating 12.7 negative-price hours. New South Wales registered the demand peak of 8,283 MW at 19:10. Renewables supplied 45.4 per cent of energy, peaking at 72.1 per cent at 09:30, while batteries discharged 13,223 MWh. The RAISE6SEC frequency control ancillary service spiked for two intervals, reaching $23,190/MW in Tasmania.
Western Australia began consultation on safety standards to legalise plug-in solar panels and batteries. The jurisdiction aims to permit the balcony-mounted renewable energy systems for apartment residents. The policy mirrors technology adoption prevalent across Europe and the United Kingdom, following an agreement by Australian energy ministers in September.
Victorian Climate Change and Energy Minister Jaclyn Symes pledged $7.5 million for renewable gas in a speech ahead of the state election on 28 November. Symes reaffirmed her commitment to the energy plan established by her predecessor Lily D'Ambrosio.
Australia paid $9 billion for diesel imports between March and August. The figure is more than twice that of any other nation during the period of conflict involving Iran.
Alchemy Charge secured $2 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency for a nationwide program. The funding will make electric vehicle charging more accessible for people living in apartments.
Wholesale demand response capacity across the NEM reached 350 MW by October 2025. The figure represents a year-on-year increase of more than 100 per cent for dispatchable demand-side participation.
Fortescue signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with an Australian lithium mining company. The Perth-headquartered mining company intends to supply industry in the Pilbara with renewable energy.
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited and UNSW Sydney agreed to form a strategic partnership. The collaboration will advance the skills and capabilities needed for the Australian renewable energy transition.
Australia's 82 per cent renewable energy target and coal-fired power plant retirements by 2030 precede the retrofitting of co-located battery energy storage systems at existing grid-scale solar facilities.
Brent Crude fell 2.1 per cent to US$111.52 a barrel, Natural Gas rose 12.4 per cent to US$3.03/mmbtu, and TTF Gas rose 4.0 per cent to EUR99.9/MWh.
AEMC received a rule change request from the Minister for Climate Change and Energy on 20 October regarding a data centre contracting obligation for firmed energy. AEMC received a second rule change request from the Department of Climate Change, the Environment, Energy and Water on 20 October regarding connections framework enhancements for integrated facilities, co-located plant and flexible loads. AEMC published documents for the metering pathways for sites without telecommunications rule change.