Australia’s NEM Connections Pipeline Hits Record 64 GW in December Quarter

The pipeline of new electricity generation and storage projects seeking connection to Australia National Electricity Market (NEM) reached a record 64 gigawatts (GW) in the December 2025 quarter, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). This represents a quarterly increase of 7.4 GW, or 14 percent, compared with the September quarter.

AEMO’s latest Connections Scorecard shows sustained momentum across renewable energy and storage projects, reflecting strong developer activity across multiple technologies.

Strong Progress Across the Connection Process

AEMO tracks projects at every stage of the NEM connection process, from initial application through to commissioning and full output. 

AEMO Onboarding and Connections Group Manager Margarida Pimentel said, “These results highlight both the maturity of the pipeline and the sector’s increasing capability to deliver.”

She added that the increase in the total pipeline from earlier quarters reflects growing confidence in the market, with new application activity rising from 20 GW to 26 GW during the quarter.

Applications, Registrations and New Connections

During the December 2025 quarter, AEMO approved 3.8 GW of applications across 18 projects. At the same time, 1.9 GW of plant capacity across 10 projects was registered and connected to the NEM, allowing these assets to enter the final stages of commissioning and operational readiness.

1.8 GW Reaches Full Output in the NEM

A total of 1.8 GW of new generation and storage capacity reached full output in the December quarter, officially joining the NEM. 

“Reaching 1.8 GW of new plant at full output this quarter is a significant achievement and underlines the collaborative effort between project proponents, network service providers and AEMO in progressing new infrastructure safely and efficiently,” Pimentel added.

The capacity that reached full output comprised nine projects, including two solar farms and seven battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Solar and Battery Projects Commissioned

The two solar projects that achieved full output during the quarter were the 350 MW Culcairn Solar Farm and the 120 MW Munna Creek Solar Farm.

Battery energy storage projects dominated the list, with seven facilities reaching full output. These included the 600 MW Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub, the 300 MW Tarong Battery Energy Storage System, the 205 MW Brendale BESS, the 111 MW Templers BESS and the 65 MW Smithfield BESS.

Battery Storage Dominates Investment Pipeline

Battery storage continues to account for the largest share of the NEM connections pipeline, representing 46 percent of total capacity. Hybrid solar and battery projects make up 19.7 percent of the pipeline, followed by wind at 16 percent, solar at 11.9 percent, hydro at 4.7 percent and gas at 1.4 percent.