In the realm of renewable energy, the last month of autumn brought a flurry of exciting developments, particularly in the realm of wind and battery output. The numbers are in, and the story is as captivating as ever. Let's dive into the details and explore the implications of these record-breaking achievements.
A Wind of Change
The wind was blowing, and it wasn't just a metaphor. Wind generation in Queensland reached an unprecedented 32,242 MWh on May 12th, shattering the previous record set in January. This surge in wind power is particularly intriguing, as it challenges the traditional pattern of wind records falling in winter and early spring. The northern regions of NSW and Queensland experienced exceptionally strong conditions, while Victoria and South Australia lagged behind, even by May standards. The Macintyre Wind Farm, set to become the southern hemisphere's largest, demonstrated a remarkable capacity factor, further highlighting the potential for wind energy in the region.
Battery Power Takes Center Stage
New South Wales (NSW) has been making waves in the battery discharge department. In May, NSW recorded an impressive 111 GWh of battery discharge, an 18% increase from the previous record set in April. This streak began in December 2025, with a modest 43 GWh, and has since skyrocketed. NSW has become the second state in the National Electricity Market (NEM) to achieve 100 GWh of battery discharge in a calendar month, following Queensland's lead. The growth is driven by the completion of large batteries, with the Eraring, Waratah Super Battery, and Limondale taking the lead.
A Distributed Charge
On May 15th, batteries charged for a total of 18,585 MWh, a 26% increase from the previous record. This surge was more distributed, with Eraring contributing only 10% of the NEM total. The previous records were often driven by a single large battery, but this time, the increase was more widespread. Interestingly, despite the high battery activity, price variation remained relatively low, and 18 May attracted attention for some of the worst renewable conditions in recent years.
Coal's Decline in Western Australia
In Western Australia (WA), coal generation hit a new low, with just 6,565 MWh generated on 8 May. This decline is part of a broader trend, with coal generation decreasing substantially since May last year. The WA government's plan to decommission coal-fired power stations by 2030 is on track, and the remaining Bluewaters power station is scheduled to shut down in 2030. The decline in coal generation is being replaced by increased gas output and utility-scale renewable generation.
Facilities Update
The renewable energy landscape is evolving, with new projects coming online. OX2 has commenced construction on its Muswellbrook solar farm and battery facility, expected to commence operation in 2028. Edify has reached financial close for the Smoky Creek and Guthrie's Gap projects, bringing Queensland's battery storage capacity to over 12GWh. The Woolooga BESS, a 222 MW / 593 MWh battery, commenced operation on 26 May, marking Lightsource BP's first battery project. Flow Power's Bennetts Creek BESS, a 100 MW / 200 MWh battery, is set to commence operation in 2028.
A Milestone Achieved
The National Electricity Market (NEM) has achieved a significant milestone. Energy discharged from utility batteries over the last 12 months now exceeds generation from peaking (OCGT) gas turbines. This is a testament to the growing role of batteries in the energy sector, and those who thought batteries would only provide ancillary services are now looking foolish. The fall in OCGT was concentrated in Queensland, which accounted for 500 GWh of the 593 GWh decline across the NEM.
The Way Forward
As we look ahead, the renewable energy sector is poised for further growth. The completion of large batteries and the increasing role of wind power are transforming the energy landscape. The decline in coal generation in WA and the growth of utility-scale renewable generation are also significant trends. The future of energy is bright, and the NEM is leading the way, with a distributed charge and a growing role for batteries. The story is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be even more exciting.
