Analysis

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From Energy to Flexibility: Rewiring Australia’s Wholesale Markets for Net Zero

Australia’s path to net zero will depend not only on new technologies, but on fundamentally reshaping the markets that underpin the energy system. As coal exits, renewables, storage and consumer energy resources will drive a far more dynamic and decentralised National Electricity Market, where flexibility becomes the critical commodity. We explore the market reforms, investment signals and system changes required to deliver a secure, affordable and reliable Energy2050 future, themes that will also sit at the centre of the Australian Energy Council Conference 2026 in Sydney on 4 June.

BY David Feeney May 21 2026

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Global oil shock, but local calm - how the NEM is holding steady

Whilst Australia is lucky to be located well away from the horrors of the war in Iran, we are witnessing some economic impact with higher petrol and diesel prices. However, can there be impacts on the electricity market as well? In short, yes, but at this stage these impacts are minimal. We take a look at how the oil price could impact the electricity market and what the market has observed so far. Read more.

BY Matthew Kaspura May 07 2026

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Where’s the energy for new gas generation?

The importance of gas-powered generation (GPG) to our energy system is well recognised, with system planners and market operators often seeing it as an essential “last line of defence.” The role of gas generation has been further highlighted by two recent papers: the Australian Energy Council’s Energy2050 Vision for the Future Energy System and the policy paper “Are gas turbines ‘bankable’ in energy-only markets?” published by Griffith and Cambridge Universities. Despite this clear and ongoing need, investment in new gas-fired generation remains limited, raising important questions about market settings, policy signals and the future role of dispatchable capacity in a transitioning grid — we take a look.

BY Carl Kitchen Apr 16 2026

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Energy2050: Building the ‘Light on the Hill’ for Australia’s Net-Zero Future

Today, we are pleased to publish an important report for the Australian Energy Council and the energy industry. Energy2050 is intended to be a vision statement, providing a practical illustration of what it will take to deliver a net zero energy system while balancing affordability, reliability and sustainability. Read more.

BY David Feeney Apr 02 2026

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Clarity and understanding key ingredients for successful transition

The energy system is complex and decarbonising the grid adds further complexity. It requires significant new investment to ensure coal plants can exit without having an impact on the reliability of the grid. It comes with unavoidable costs and will take time to get right. It is increasingly important given this context that the energy transition is well understood. Selective framing of data to apportion blame works against a broad understanding and has the potential to undermine customer confidence and support for the transition. Read more.

BY Australian Energy Council Mar 05 2026

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The GHG Protocol: make or break for green data centres?

In the past few months, data centres have received significant attention as potential beehives for renewable investment and an antidote to the much-publicised tenor gap. But some recent changes being discussed globally could complicate how businesses such as data centres purchase their electricity. If not navigated carefully, these changes could make the vision of 100 per cent renewable powered data centres a distant fantasy rather than a reality. Let’s take a closer look.

BY Rhys Thomas Feb 26 2026

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Joint AEC-CEC rule change to enhance system security frameworks

As the National Electricity Market accelerates its transition to higher levels of renewable energy, maintaining system security has become a critical challenge. In response, the Australian Energy Council and Clean Energy Council have lodged a joint rule change request to strengthen planning, governance and procurement frameworks for essential system services. The proposal aims to support an orderly transition while ensuring the grid remains secure and investable. Read more.

BY Matthew Kaspura Feb 12 2026

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A New Year: New regulated offer; new records but some old challenges

A new year has brought major developments across Australia’s energy markets, with new regulatory interventions alongside record-breaking renewable generation. The Federal Government’s Solar Sharer Offer marks a significant shift in retail market design, while the wholesale market delivered historic renewable output and much lower prices, driven largely by strong wind and growing battery capacity. We take a look at what these changes mean for customers, retailers and the reliability of the power system, and where old challenges continue to resurface.

BY Carl Kitchen Feb 05 2026

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Delivering Australia’s Energy Transition Affordably

This week the Australian Energy Council (AEC) launched its first ever CEO Survey - Delivering Australia’s Energy Transition Affordably - which has provided insights and perspectives from those involved in delivering the transition in Australia. The survey was formerly launched at the first of the AEC’s Connects networking events, which was held in Melbourne this week. Below are the remarks from the AEC’s Chief Executive Officer, Louisa Kinnear, about the survey, the task ahead and key areas of focus for the Council.

BY Louisa Kinnear Nov 20 2025

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Reliability Review: Why are the settings so crucial for the NEM?

While the recent focus around the National Electricity Market (NEM) has been on the Federal Government’s Expert Panel, an equally important review on the reliability standard has also been underway. In June, the Reliability Panel (The Panel) published an issues paper to initiate the 2026 Reliability Standard and Settings Review. These underlying market settings remain key to a well-functioning NEM and will work hand-in-hand with the Expert Panel’s recommendations. Here we take a look at the reliability review, some of the areas in our submission to that process as well as the rationale behind our position.

BY David Feeney Sep 11 2025

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NEM Expert Review: Key areas and direction come into sharper focus

The National Electricity Market (NEM) Review Expert Panel is currently conducting public forums.  The Australian Energy Council attended the Sydney forum, where the Panel shared insights gathered from market participants through submissions and bilateral discussions, and presented indicative directions for feedback. The strong attendance at the Sydney forum indicates the importance attached to the review within the energy sector.  With further forums planned through to early June, we take a look at what we learnt, what happens next and what we see as the key areas for focus. 

BY David Feeney May 22 2025

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Regulated Electricity Prices: A look at network and wholesale costs

Retail costs have recently received much attention in the draft regulated Default Market Offer, but network and wholesale costs have also risen. These two components make up the bulk of the final bill, accounting for 33-48 per cent (network) and 31-44 per cent (wholesale) of DMO 7 draft prices. As the energy transition progresses with new network investments and the shift to renewables, storage, and gas, these costs will require closer focus. Last week, we explored retail costs; this week, we examine the network and wholesale cost components.

BY Australian Energy Council Mar 27 2025