Australia and New Zealand’s electricity networks are entering a new phase of the energy transition. For more than a decade the focus has been on building renewable generation and connecting it to the grid. That effort continues, and it will remain essential. But for many network operators the harder task now lies elsewhere: managing how an increasingly complex system works together.

Oil and gas prices are shooting up as war in the Middle East cuts down the supply of fossil fuels available, in what has been described as “the largest supply disruption in the history of oil markets.” While the effects of the energy crisis are being felt far and wide, it is making the case for renewables clear.

The federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program is being hailed as a clean energy win with almost 280,000 batteries and about 7 MW of capacity installed across Australian since the scheme was launched in mid-2025. While the scheme is delivering results, there are still areas of concern.

The conflict in Iran has triggered global disruptions to energy and liquid fuel markets, including here in Australia. Among the more vulnerable are those in remote and rural diesel-dependent communities where renewables-based microgrids offer an option for reliable and secure energy supply.

Digging into NSW’s generation mix reveals that the supply gap from coal exists remains substantial. Eraring currently contributes more to the state’s mix than grid-scale solar and wind combined during winter (28% vs 20%), while utility-scale batteries remain just 1% of the current supply mix, underscoring how early the firming build-out still is. From an investment standpoint, the scheduled retirement of coal capacity represents one of the strongest structural tailwinds in the Australian energy market.

RELA has launched an ARENA-backed platform, Assess 2.0, which gives landowners upfront insight into suitability for their property to host renewable energy projects, prior to entering negotiations with developers.

Researchers from two Australian universities have demonstrated that ultra-low-cost solar could deliver to national energy systems 1,000 TWh per year for domestic use and 2,600 TWh per year for export.

Mining giant Rio Tinto will underwrite $7.5 billion of investment in new renewable energy generation and storage in Queensland after inking a deal with the federal and state governments to secure a long-term future for one of Australia’s largest aluminium smelters.

Spanish energy company Iberdrola’s plan to develop a 270 MW / 1,080 MWh battery energy storage system in northern New South Wales has received a boost with the state’s Independent Planning Commission giving its tick of approval.

JinkoSolar has announced the launch of a new solar module tailored specifically to meet the power density and extreme reliability needs of data centres and AI-driven computing.

Australia’s national science agency says AI-driven robots could reshape solar maintenance across large-scale PV projects after successfully trialing the cutting-edge technology.

Researchers in the United Kingdom have developed a smart window that combines switchable polymer-dispersed liquid crystal with integrated PV cells, offering controllable transparency and electricity generation. The system balances light, heat, and solar protection while maintaining high visual quality and stable performance, according to its creators.

Construction of Australia’s largest floating solar array has commenced with the first panels and pontoons assembled for a 500 kW system being installed on a water storage reservoir at Warrnambool in Victoria’s southwest.

The Queensland government has launched a $200 million fund to support the private sector in delivering “bespoke” renewable energy generation, battery and microgrid projects across the state’s northwest.

The Nexis solution combines a flexibly configurable hybrid inverter with a modular high-voltage battery offering up to 14 kW charging capacity per stack. The inverter delivers 8–20 kW AC power, supports up to 200% DC oversizing, and features IP65-rated design with integrated backup power.

An international research team, including scientists from the University of Queensland, boosted triple-junction solar cell performance by enhancing perovskite crystal growth, increasing middle-cell light absorption, and adding reflective nanoparticles.

A random malware variant affected about 800 remote monitoring devices at ground-mounted PV plants in Japan in May 2024. Tokyo-based cybersecurity firm Girasol Energy has told pv magazine what happened and how PV asset owners can protect themselves against such incidents.

Scientists from three leading Australian research organisations have developed the first proof-of-concept quantum battery, demonstrating the potential for rapid, scalable charging and energy storage based on principles of ollective effects.

Researchers have developed a smart water-spray cooling system for PV panels that activates only when temperatures exceed a set threshold, boosting efficiency while minimising water use in arid conditions. The system raised power output and reduced module temperatures, offering similar efficiency to continuous cooling but with far lower water consumption, pump operation, and costs.

Researchers from the Australian National University and Longi used photoluminescence imaging to analyse dopant distributions in RCz-grown silicon wafers doped with antimony, phosphorus, and gallium, finding highly uniform radial concentration profiles suitable for high-efficiency solar cells. The study also found that antimony-doped wafers provide more stable axial doping along the ingot, highlighting their potential for next-generation PV manufacturing.

Chinese solar inverter and storage solutions company Sungrow has launched its CEC-approved PowerKeeper Series in Australia for commercial and industrial applications.

The Chinese manufacturer said its new rooftop solar module offers 455–475 W power, 22.8–23.8% efficiency, 96-cell double-glass design, and IP68 protection.

Sigenergy has launched a 166 kW IP66-rated inverter for C&I solar and storage offering nine MPPT trackers and flexible AC/DC connections. The launch coincided with the opening of its Nantong Smart Energy Centre in China, a 136,000 m² facility for R&D, manufacturing, and global delivery.

The Chinese manufacturer said its new back-contact module delivers up to 545 W and over 25% efficiency in a compact rooftop format for residential, C&I, and off-grid applications.

The Chinese manufacturer has launched a fire-resistant version of its Hi-MO X10 module for distributed PV applications, featuring back-contact technology and up to 24.8% efficiency. The company says the module adds enhanced fire-safety design to address rooftop PV risks such as hot spots and DC arcing.

China-headquartered residential battery company EnergyLIB has debuted its first home battery system in Australia: the EnergyLIB HomeStack and the EnergyLIB Inverter.

Japanese clean energy infrastructure solutions company GBP K.K. has announced the launch of a mesh security fencing solution for grid-scale solar developments and acoustic panel fencing for utility battery storage sites for developments close to residential areas.

China’s 2026 to 2030 policy plan elevates clean electricity as a central driver of economic growth, with greater emphasis on system integration and industrial use.

French renewables developer TE H2 has filed an application with the Australian government seeking approval for a 2.7 GW solar farm and 6 GWh battery energy storage project to be built in the Northern Territory.

Vena Energy has secured a $200 million long-term revenue agreement that it says will bring the second stage of its 408 MW Bellambi Heights battery energy storage system being built in central-western New South Wales online later this year.