Renewable energy to power 4 million Aussie homes by 2030

The Australian Government is backing 19 new renewable energy projects that will supply enough electricity for four million Australian households by 2030.

Supported through Tender 7 of the federal government’s flagship Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS), the projects will deliver 7.8 GW of renewable generation and a further 7.9 GWh in battery storage through hybrid projects.

Across 19 projects, the wind farms, solar installations and battery developments will be built in NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia to service the National Electricity Market (NEM). The projects are set to unlock an estimated $17 billion in private investment and create an estimated 19,000 construction jobs.

More than $257 million worth of Australian steel will be used, supporting Australian workers and Australian industry.

Also, nearly $1.2 billion in social licence commitments are planned to deliver shared benefits across local communities and provide employment pathways, ranger programs, mental health support programs, and capacity building to increase the participation of First Nations communities in the renewable energy transition.

“This is not just about megawatts. It is about jobs on the ground, investment in local communities, and making sure communities share in the benefits of the renewable energy transition,” said Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen. “Cheaper, cleaner, more reliable renewable energy. That’s what we promised, that’s what we are delivering.”

Building on the high quality of Tender 7 bids in the NEM and the broader success of the CIS to date, Tender 9 will open to bids from Monday, 25 May 2026.

Tender 9 will target 5 GW of renewable generation and will be open to all NEM jurisdictions except NSW, where proponents can participate in the re-started NSW Roadmap generation tenders. It will include a dedicated capacity allocation for projects that commit to 5% or higher equity and/or revenue-sharing agreements with First Nations communities.

This follows a recent boost to Western Australia’s energy system, with 1.9 GW of renewable generation and 482 MW of battery storage as part of 10 new projects set to be built across regional WA.

“At a time when we’re all feeling the pinch from volatile fossil fuel markets, these investments are more important than ever, and, as demonstrated by the quality and volume of bids, the market is responding to the stability the CIS offers,” said Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson.

“Coming off the back of the two best quarters for renewable energy, and as we see coal and gas generation in decline, these 19 projects will help drive even more investment in cleaner, cheaper energy across the NEM.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Avee-Jay