Battery energy storage projects have emerged as the dominant force in Australia's energy investment landscape, accounting for 46% of the nation's 64GW development pipeline, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator's (AEMO) latest quarterly report.

Ahead of the Energy Storage Summit Australia 2026 in March, we take a look at some of the key debates set to take centre stage at the event.  

South Australia’s battery storage fleet entered a 4-hour AU$1,000/MWh (US$700/MWh) price event at around 90% state of charge during the Australia Day heatwave.

The global energy storage market is poised for continued expansion in 2026, even as supply chain constraints, regulatory evolution, and emerging applications reshape the landscape, according to Wood Mackenzie. 

In an interview with PV Tech Premium, two UNSW researchers emphasise the need for enhanced UV testing for TOPCon solar cells.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has announced that renewable energy sources supplied more than half of the quarterly energy demand in the National Electricity Market (NEM) for the first time.

Australian data centre startup WinDC has announced a strategic partnership with Megaport that will connect its renewables-powered AI factories to Megaport's global Network-as-a-Service platform.

Australia’s federal government has released a consultation paper detailing information on the proposed Solar Sharer Offer (SSO). 

Researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, have directly observed how silicon solar cells can self-repair UV damage under sunlight.

Green Gold Energy’s Morgan Solar Farm in South Australia has reached a key grid-connection milestone, having received its Section 5.3.4 letter under the National Electricity Rules (NER). 

Bellevue Gold has claimed to have set a new benchmark for off-grid renewable energy performance at one of its gold mines.

CleanPeak Energy has completed the acquisition of five solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) development sites in New South Wales from Fortitude Renewables, adding 25MW of solar capacity and 100MWh of battery storage to its portfolio.

Wooderson Solar Development Co has submitted a 450MW solar-plus-storage project in Queensland to Australia's EPBC Act.

Lava Blue has signed an MoU with HaloCell Energy to establish a supply chain for high-purity perovskite precursor materials in Australia.

I Squared Capital has launched ANZA Power, a new IPP aiming to deliver reliable and sustainable energy across Australia & New Zealand. 

The Australian government has announced AU$24.7 million in funding over three years to establish a National Solar Panel Recycling Pilot.

Canada-based solar mounting systems provider Polar Racking has entered the Australian market through its involvement in the 240MW Maryvale solar-plus-storage project in New South Wales, marking the company's first project deployment in the country.

Palmer Renewable Energy has submitted a referral under the EPBC Act for a 200MW solar-plus-storage project near Collie, Western Australia.

Australian mining giant Fortescue has claimed to have secured large-scale battery storage at pricing levels not previously seen in Australia, according to CEO Dino Otranto.

Engie has acquired a 30% equity stake in the Hazelwood battery energy storage system (BESS) in Victoria, Australia.