Wholesale electricity prices fell 27 per cent from the July to September period last year, despite record winter demand. The Australian Energy Market Operator attributes the drop to rooftop solar, wind, large-scale solar and battery storage. Batteries are shifting record amounts of renewable energy into the evening, when demand is higher. Victoria accounted for almost all of the 1.3 per cent growth in demand. Renewable generation overtook gas for the first time, while gas-fired generation fell 34 per cent.
Developer Alinta Energy has withdrawn plans for a $1.8 billion pumped hydro project in northern NSW, saying economic and timing challenges made it unviable. The 900 megawatt Oven Mountain scheme was one of the largest projects in the Armidale Renewable Energy Zone and was planned near Carrai. It is the second major renewable project to be dropped this month, after Origin Energy scrapped the Skye Ridge Wind Farm. Armidale Shire Mayor Sam Coupland said the council was shocked and questioned whether planning rules had become too onerous.
The Land and Environment Court has approved doubling the battery storage units at a Bilbul solar farm, from four to eight. Griffith councillors had voted against the expansion in April. The approval followed an agreement between the developer and council during court-supervised negotiations, not a full hearing. Neighbours raised concerns about noise, fire risk and falling property values. The developer, MPower, says conditions address those concerns, including noise monitoring and a fire protection zone around the batteries.
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Atmos Renewables has acquired the proposed Bullawah Wind Farm near Hay from BayWa r.e., taking control of the major South West Renewable Energy Zone project. The development, about 40 kilometres south-east of Hay, plans 141 wind turbines producing around 800 megawatts and a 359-megawatt battery storage system. Construction could create up to 380 local jobs. Atmos has said it will honour existing landowner and community agreements, and aims to make the project investment-ready by 2027. The deal also includes the Yatpool Solar Farm near Mildura and the Hughenden Solar Farm in central Queensland.
Snowy Mountains farmers have urged a state planning panel to reject a proposed solar farm near Adaminaby, despite council recommending conditional approval. EDPR Australia has lodged plans for the 48-hectare site, which would include about 10,260 solar modules and a battery storage system. Speakers at a public hearing said the development would threaten the area's tourism and rural lifestyle. The developer said native plants would screen the site and that all infrastructure would be removed at decommissioning. The panel is expected to publish its decision later this month.
Opponents of a proposed big battery on Uriarra Station, on Canberra's western edge, fear it could pave the way for a data centre. Project proponent Quinbrook has proposed a 520-megawatt battery energy storage system, which would need a substation and overhead lines. Resident Erin East raised concerns about noise, light, bushfire risk and lithium battery fires. Quinbrook says a fire is highly unlikely due to multiple safety layers. The ACT Greens say they will raise residents' concerns with the planning minister. A community meeting is set for Saturday, 17 October, at the Uriarra Village Community Centre.
A proposed battery energy storage system on Middle Hut Road in Doreen will be assessed by the Minister for Planning rather than Nillumbik Council. The project is expected to be publicly advertised, giving residents a chance to make submissions. Council has not taken a position on the proposal. The Minister's decision cannot be appealed by Council or the community. A Council Planning and Consultation Committee meeting on 10 November 2026 will hear community views, with speakers required to register by 5pm on 9 November.
