Renewable energy is supplying a record share of the power in Australia’s main energy grid, according to the latest update from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
AEMO’s Quarterly Energy Dynamics Report says renewables, including solar and wind, powered 43% of Australia’s electricity grid in the first three months of 2025 – the highest first-quarter amount in the National Energy Market’s 25-year history.
- Grid-scale solar generation (+10% from Q1 2024) and battery generation (+86%) reached all time highs this quarter.
- Rooftop solar (+16%) and wind (+18%) reached new Q1 highs.
- Climate pollution in our electricity system is at its lowest ever level for Q1 (-5% compared to this time, last year).
- Black and brown coal-fired generator availability declined to record Q1 lows.
- Gas usage decreased by 8.3% – at the same time that gas prices on the east coast rose to a new Q1 record of $13.26/GJ.
Climate Councillor and energy expert, Greg Bourne, said: “Polluting, expensive coal continues to dwindle as our renewable and battery capacity ramps up. Renewables will keep breaking records and Australia’s wholesale electricity market will continue to become cleaner and more reliable.
“The energy market operator reports that overall our power use is increasing and renewables are meeting the challenge. Not only that, they’re driving down climate pollution from our power system, with carbon emissions five percent lower than the same time last year. All of this is building a cleaner, safer future for our kids.“
“Importantly the use of gas went down but the price increased. Australians should be clear that the role of gas in our energy system is small and continues to shrink.”
Climate Council CEO, Amanda McKenzie, said: “Australians have just voted overwhelmingly for a renewable future. The newly elected Albanese Labor government can seize this mandate and go further and faster in modernising Australia’s grid and delivering on commitments to energy and climate.
“Australian households love rooftop solar and collectively they’re saving nearly $3 billion a year on their power bills. The savings will be even bigger if more households can add a battery to their solar system as promised under Labor.
“Aussies have resoundingly rejected false solutions like nuclear because we know that renewables work, but we need more of them. And this report proves it.”
ENDS
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The Climate Council Momentum Monitor also tracks the progress of climate solutions in Australia’s energy, transport, and manufacturing sectors. Data in the Momentum Monitor is updated quarterly.
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