Australia's grid operator calls for 120GW of wind and solar by 2050, coal exit by 2049
By
George Heynes
Summary
Australia's AEMO 2026 Integrated System Plan (ISP) calls for building nearly 120GW of utility-scale wind and solar by 2050 — roughly five times current levels — to achieve 82% renewable energy by 2030 and 98% by 2050. The plan outlines an Optimal Development Path where most coal exits the National Electricity Market by 2038 and all coal is retired by 2049. AEMO CEO Daniel Westerman emphasizes that renewables firmed with storage, backed by gas, and connected via upgraded networks is the least-cost pathway, shifting focus from planning to delivery.
Source
bskyAustralia's grid operator calls for 120GW of wind and solar by 2050, coal exit by 2049pv-tech.orgKey quotes
· 3 pulledRenewable energy, firmed with storage, backed up by gas and connected with upgraded networks, remains the least-cost roadmap to meet Australia's energy needs.
The planning for this larger and more complex system is clear. The focus now is firmly on delivery.
Under the Optimal Development Path (ODP), renewable energy would achieve Australia's 82% national target by 2030 and deliver 98% of generation by 2050, with most of the NEM's remaining coal fleet withdrawn by 2038 and all coal exiting by 2049.
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