Market, investment and grid
Focusing on the economic, technical and regulatory environment that underpins the National Electricity Market and the power system.
A grid-ready Australia
Maintaining stability while connecting renewables to the grid is critically important and extremely complex, particularly when considering other factors such as storage technologies and ever-evolving technical standards.
An initiative bringing together our members, network service providers, industry stakeholders and the Australian Energy Market Operator to address concerns over the delays and increasing complexity of grid connection.
The market rules were designed to consider very few generators connecting to the grid. With renewable energy, there are many generators wanting to connect each year. This level of inquiries can lead to extensive bottlenecks and delays in connecting generators that provide critical energy to consumers.
The Connections Reform Initiative represents an unprecedented level of industry cooperation and is an example of good planning to address the gaps in the current regulatory environment.
We collaborate with market bodies and governments to inform policy design that adequately incentivises the renewable energy industry.
One of the most ambitious investment packages, the Capacity Investment Scheme, will ensure Australia reaches the Federal Government's target of 82 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
We also work closely with state governments as they develop Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and investment support schemes such as Long-Term Energy Service Agreements in New South Wales.
We have a strong investment focus, making sure macro trends are reflected and inform policy making.
WA design paper – Capacity Investment Scheme
Expanded Capacity Investment Scheme Design Paper Submission
Capacity Investment Scheme Consultation Submission
We work to modernise the regulatory environment, helping Australia connect clean energy projects.
It is important to make the most of the existing grid, advocating for improvements that reduce the need for the expensive rollout of major transmission infrastructure.
Equally important is for Integrated System Plan major projects to be supported to deliver critical infrastructure as the power system transitions to high levels of renewable energy generation.
The balance between the two, with support from technical standards and novel technologies, has long-term value for consumers, ensuring energy prices remain predictable during the energy transition.
Clean Energy Council submission on Electricity Transmission Service Standards Incentive Scheme
Fixing the System Strength Frameworks Discussion Paper
Clean Energy Council Comment On The Efficient Provision Of Inertia Rule Change
The stability of the power system requires a combination of energy storage technologies. In addition to battery energy storage, we are also focused on alternative long duration storage (ALDES) solutions. The extensive portfolio of ALDES technologies includes compressed air, pumped hydro, gravity storage, metal air batteries, redox flow batteries, thermal batteries, concentrated solar with energy storage and chemical energy storage using hydrogen. 
The functions of these diverse technologies will ensure Australia’s power system is strong, secure, reliable and affordable in the long-term.
Hydropower: The Backbone of a Reliable Renewable Energy System
Battery Storage: The New, Clean Peaker
Reforming the transmission network in Australia is complex and ongoing. Delays in transmission development are hindering the transition to net zero and driving up power prices. To enable a smooth transition, networks need to install more than 10,000 kilometres of new transmission lines to ensure we can connect the renewable generation our system will need.
We work with governments and industry bodies, alongside our members, to facilitate the best possible reforms that benefit industry and incentivise investment while accelerating the clean energy transition.
Submission In Response To The Energy Security Board's Transmission Access Reform Consultation Paper
Report Highlights Need for Transmission Investment Reform
$4.9 bn
new financial commitments to large-scale storage in 2023 (AUD$)
$21.23 bn
total investment in renewable generation projects (AUD$) as of 31 Dec 2023
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Investment in renewables
Read the latest news and resources from the Clean Energy Council on how we're advocating for investment in the renewable industry.
Clean Energy Council urges Federal Budget to think big on renewables
Statement on the passage of final COP28 Agreement
