Australia Powers Ahead: Big Battery Boom Fuels Renewable Energy Future

Australia is charging toward its clean energy goals with record-breaking investment in large-scale battery systems, signaling a turning point in the nation’s energy transition. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, investment in big batteries soared to $2.4 billion—marking the second-highest quarter on record for energy storage.
Six major battery projects, totaling 1.5 gigawatts in capacity, reached financial close. Among them is Victoria’s 350MW Wooreen battery, supported by the federal government’s Capacity Investment Scheme. These projects span across South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales, reinforcing a national commitment to reliable, renewable energy infrastructure.
While solar investment started more modestly with $410 million across two projects, industry experts say this is typical for early-year quarters. By March’s end, a total of 82 renewable energy projects, representing 12GW of capacity, were either under construction or financially committed.
This surge in battery storage follows 2024’s record-setting $12.7 billion in clean energy investment, driven by rooftop solar and utility-scale projects. The Clean Energy Council (CEC) attributes this momentum to improved policy certainty, easing inflation, and stronger industry participation in government-backed schemes.
With renewable energy supplying 40% of Australia’s electricity in 2024, experts say reaching the government’s 82% target by 2030 is not only ambitious but achievable. However, they caution that faster project approvals, grid connections, and new transmission lines are essential to maintain the current pace.
“Australia has the capability and the commitment to lead the world in clean energy,” said Anna Skarbek, CEO of Climateworks Centre. “With the right strategy, we can meet rising energy demands and help decarbonize global industries—while building a resilient, future-ready economy.”