AusNet has this week reached the significant milestone of connecting 10GW of renewable energy to the National Electricity Market.
AusNet’s work has spanned grassroots community projects in regional towns to high-voltage transmission connections powering cutting-edge data centres in metropolitan Melbourne.
AusNet Chief Executive Officer, David Smales, said this achievement cements AusNet’s role as a critical enabler of Australia’s clean energy transition and one of the nation’s most influential energy infrastructure partners.
“Reaching this milestone is about more than just connecting electrons. It shows what’s possible when communities, industry and governments unite with purpose to transform Australia’s energy future,” he said.
“From a 54MW wind farm at Salt Creek to the towering turbines of the 1.3GW Golden Plains Wind Farm, the largest in the southern hemisphere, AusNet’s 46 renewable connection projects have helped drive one of the most profound energy transformations in the country’s history,” said Mr Smales.
In 2015, renewables made up just 15 per cent of the energy mix, with hydro dominating and solar and wind still emerging as players. Today, renewables contribute over 43 per cent to the grid, reaching 78 per cent on peak days.
As Australia accelerates toward its national climate goals – 43 per cent emissions reduction by 2030, up to 70 per cent by 2035, and net zero by 2050 – AusNet’s experience and expertise will remain pivotal.
“With the rise of electric vehicles, AI powered data centres and other technologies, the energy transition is well underway. We are proud to play our part in building an energy system that serves Australia today and is ready for whatever tomorrow demands,” said Mr Smales.
Read more about how AusNet is building projects that support the transition to a renewable future: www.ausnet.com.au/projects-and-innovation.