The report covers the latest key figures and statistics on the national energy market. It is the only analysis that includes the National Electricity Market, the Western Australian electricity grid and other major regional grids across the country in areas such as the Northern Territory.
By any measure, 2018 was a remarkable year for the Australian clean energy industry. More than 2.3 GW of new renewable energy capacity entered the market in 2018 as 38 projects were completed throughout the year. Rooftop solar also experienced its best ever year, with 1.55 GW of new capacity added over the course of 2018. All of this extra capacity resulted in Australia getting 21 per cent of its total power generation from renewables, which is more than enough to power every Australian household.
In 2017 records were broken. In 2018 they were smashed.
At the end of 2018, 14.8 GW of new generation was under construction or financially committed, representing $24.5 billion in investment and more than 13,000 jobs. You can view more detail on the current projects being constructed around the country on our project tracker page.
renewable energy projects completed in 2018
38megawatt capacity
2333In 2018, the percentage of renewable energy passed 20 per cent for the first time, with clean energy contributing 21.3 per cent of Australia's total electricity generation. This was a significant increase compared to 2017, when renewables were responsible for 17 per cent of total electricity generation.
Hydro generation was again Australia's renewable energy leader, accounting for 7.5 per cent of Australia's total national electricity generation in 2018. However, wind was close behind, contributing 7.1 per cent of total electricity generation throughout the year.
Tasmania's considerable hydro resources meant that it continues to lead the way on renewable energy in Australia. But South Australia was the big story in 2018, with the state getting more than 50 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources.
In the absence of a national climate or energy policy, the states have taken up the mantle, making significant investments in new renewable energy capacity. See how your state is tracking below.
Note: The ACT is part of the NSW region and data for the NT grid is unavailable.
Download the full Clean Energy Australia Report 2019.
