Australia’s Massive Renewable Energy Push: Solar, Wind & Battery Projects Surge Ahead of Coal Exit

Here is a publish-ready article based on verified reporting from May 2026:

Western Australia is set to receive its largest-ever boost in renewable energy capacity, with 10 new solar, wind, and battery projects approved under federal and state tenders. The projects—totaling 1.9 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable generation and 482 megawatts (MW) of battery storage—will be built across regional WA, marking a pivotal step in the state’s transition away from coal and toward cleaner, firmer power.

The federal government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) Tenders 5 and 6 selected six wind farms, two solar-battery hybrid projects, and two standalone battery storage systems, with construction expected to begin within the next 12 months. The announcement follows the state government’s AU$1.4 billion Clean Energy Fund, which will accelerate grid expansion and support transmission projects like Clean Energy Link (CEL) East and Southwest Interconnected System (SWIS) upgrades.

Key Projects and Capacity

The approved projects will deliver:

• 1.886 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable electricity generation (wind, solar, and hybrid systems)
• 3.683 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of standalone battery storage
• Projects located across regional WA, including the Mid West and South West regions

Among the selected projects is Synergy’s 2 GW Tathra solar-wind-battery hybrid, which cleared state regulatory hurdles in April 2026. The project, proposed for WA’s Mid West, will combine solar, wind, and battery storage to provide firmed renewable energy—a critical capability as coal plants prepare to close.

The Albanese and Cook Labor Governments are delivering an historic boost to WA’s energy system with 1.9 gigawatts (GW) of cheaper, cleaner renewable generation and 482 megawatts (MW) of battery storage as part of 10 new projects set to be built across regional WA.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson, and WA Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation Amber-Jade Sanderson

The AU$1.4 billion Clean Energy Fund, announced in April 2026, will support transmission upgrades and generation projects, including CEL-East, which will connect new renewable zones to Perth and the South West. The fund is part of WA’s broader strategy to decarbonize its electricity grid ahead of scheduled coal plant closures.

Market and Policy Context

Australia’s federal government has set an 82% renewable energy target by 2030, and WA’s new projects align with this goal. The Smart Energy Council described the announcements as a “significant step forward” in delivering cleaner power at scale, particularly in regions reliant on coal-fired generation.

Western Australia’s energy market operates independently from the National Electricity Market (NEM), and the state’s Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) will integrate these new projects to improve reliability and reduce emissions. The state government has also designated CEL-East as a declared priority project under the State Development Act 2025, fast-tracking its development.

Next Steps

Construction on the selected projects is expected to commence in mid-2026, with operational timelines varying by site. The state government’s Clean Energy Fund will provide additional support for grid infrastructure, ensuring that new renewable capacity can be integrated efficiently. Industry analysts anticipate these projects will create thousands of jobs and position WA as a leader in Australia’s renewable energy transition.

Sources: Renew Economy, Energy-Storage.News, pv magazine Australia, Smart Energy Council