Clean Energy Council reports AUD 2.8 billion in new Australian renewable capacity for H1 2026

The Clean Energy Council reports that five generation projects totaling 1.4 GW of capacity were commissioned in the first half of 2026, with a combined value of AUD 2.8 billion. The council’s data indicates that the rolling 12-month quarterly average for newly commissioned capacity reached 912 MW, representing a 56% year-on-year increase.

In the same period, nine battery energy storage projects came online. These additions contributed 2.3 GW of power capacity and 7.1 GWh of storage, valued at $4.3 billion according to the council’s figures.

Commissioned Generation and Storage

Beyond the newly commissioned assets, eight generation projects totaling 1.9 GW of capacity began construction during the first half of 2026, according to the Clean Energy Council. This building activity follows a substantial year for storage, where 2 GW of power capacity and 5.1 GWh of battery storage were added in 2025.

Financial Close and Project Mix

The Clean Energy Council reports that 12 generation projects reached financial close in the first half of 2026, totaling 2.6 GW of capacity. This compares to 2.3 GW of generation capacity that reached financial close in 2025. The mix of these 12 projects comprises 11 solar or solar hybrid installations and one onshore wind project.

Metric	H1 2026	2025
Generation Capacity	2.6 GW	2.3 GW

13 battery storage projects reached financial close during the same period, adding 1.6 GW of power capacity and 6.5 GWh of storage. The council notes that the June 2026 quarter set a record for battery storage financial close with 6.3 GWh. Financial close marks the point where a project secures the necessary debt and equity funding to proceed to construction, distinguishing these figures from the commissioned capacities reported earlier.

National Pipeline and State Breakdown

The Clean Energy Council data outlines the broader market backlog beyond the H1 2026 commissioning and financial close figures.

• Total funded or under-construction projects: 141, valued at AUD 32.5 billion
• Total generation projects: 76, totaling 11.7 GW
• Total storage projects: 79, totaling 12.6 GW of power and 35 GWh of storage
• Solar accounts for 53% of the generation capacity pipeline
• Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia each hold a 27% share of solar capacity
• Queensland pipeline: AUD 9.6 billion and 4.5 GW
• New South Wales battery storage pipeline: 4.3 GW of power and 11.2 GWh of storage

Queensland and New South Wales emerge as significant hubs, with Queensland leading in total pipeline investment value and New South Wales maintaining a substantial battery storage backlog.

What to watch

Clean Energy Council CEO Jackie Trad asserted that domestic solar and wind resources are immune to foreign geopolitical disruptions. She emphasized that every addition to the solar, wind, and battery portfolio strengthens Australia’s energy autonomy and economic robustness. Although Queensland currently tops the nation in clean energy capital flows, Trad warned that the broader narrative extends well beyond any single state or territory.

Geography aside, the council highlights specific barriers to expansion. Regulatory approvals and transmission capacity continue to pose the most significant challenges for developers. Investor sentiment toward onshore wind is weakening.