Australian Battery Storage Hits Record High As Solar Generation Surges
The National Electricity Market reached a new peak of 20.17 GWh of stored energy as utility-scale solar availability also climbed to record levels.
Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) achieved a new record for instantaneous battery-stored energy, reaching 20.17 GWh at 4:15 pm on Friday. This milestone reflects a 203 per cent increase compared to the 6.66 GWh record established on November 5, 2025. The growth in storage capacity allows the grid to capture significant solar generation during midday hours for use during evening peak periods.
New South Wales also recorded a state-level high, with battery storage reaching 8.36 GWh, marking a 188 per cent rise from the 2.9 GWh record set on October 8, 2025. Alongside these storage gains, utility-scale solar availability in the NEM hit 10,561 MW, surpassing the previous record of 9,410 MW set on October 17, 2025.
Despite the increased capacity to store energy, curtailment remains a challenge for the grid. Data from Global Power Energy (GPE) NemLog indicates that 41.36 GWh of generation was curtailed throughout the day, consisting of 26.67 GWh of solar and 14.69 GWh of wind. In New South Wales, 15.68 GWh of renewable energy was curtailed, almost entirely from solar sources.
Geoff Eldridge of Global Power Energy noted that substantial renewable generation continues to be curtailed even during intervals with positive prices. While battery charging and flexible demand help manage supply, Eldridge emphasized that transmission constraints, local dispatch conditions, and the geographic placement of storage assets remain critical factors. The effectiveness of the NEM in utilizing its available generation and storage capacity continues to be a primary focus for grid management.
