Australia's NEM applications push project pipeline past 64 GW

1.8 GW of new projects reached full output during the quarter.

National Electricity Market (NEM) connection pipeline hit a record 64 gigawatts (GW) in the December 2025 quarter, up 7.4 GW, or 14%, from September, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) said.

AEMO’s latest Connections Scorecard shows strong activity across all stages of development, from new applications to projects reaching full output.

Onboarding and Connections Group Manager Margarida Pimentel said rising volumes reflected growing confidence in the energy transition.

“The ongoing increase to 64 GW in the connections pipeline shows that confidence in Australia’s renewable energy transition remains strong, with new applications activity rising from 20 GW to 26 GW,” she said.

During the quarter, AEMO approved 3.8 GW across 18 projects, whilst 1.9 GW from 10 projects was registered and connected to the grid. Another 1.8 GW reached full output and entered the market.

That included the Culcairn (350 MW) and Munna Creek (120 MW) solar farms, plus battery projects at the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (600 MW), Tarong (300 MW), Brendale (205 MW), Templers (111 MW) and Smithfield (65 MW).

Battery storage now dominates the pipeline at 46%, followed by hybrid solar-battery projects (19.7%), wind (16%), solar (11.9%), hydro (4.7%) and gas (1.4%).

Pimentel said batteries would be key to firming renewable generation and meeting evening demand peaks.