Australia’s Utility PV Generation Reaches Record Highs as Solar Curtailment Falls

September 8, 2026 — Australia

New data from global research and energy intelligence company Rystad Energy shows that utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) generation reached record highs in New South Wales (NSW), Queensland and Victoria in August 2026, highlighting the continued growth of Australia’s renewable energy sector.

Utility PV generation reached 684 GWh in NSW, 665 GWh in Queensland and 213 GWh in Victoria during the month.

According to Rystad Energy Senior Analyst David Dixon, Australia’s utility-scale solar and wind assets generated a combined 4.99 TWh of clean energy in August, representing a 3% increase from 4.86 TWh recorded in August 2025.

At the same time, large-scale solar curtailment across Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) declined significantly. Utility PV curtailed generation fell to 168 GWh, equivalent to approximately 9% of available generation, compared with 284 GWh, or around 18%, in August 2025.

Queensland Leads Utility Solar Performance

Queensland recorded the strongest-performing utility PV assets in August, with the top three projects achieving an average AC capacity factor of 28%.

The leading projects included the 100 MW first stage of Pacific Blue Australia’s Haughton Solar Farm, the 204 MW Edenvale Solar Park, co-owned by Japanese companies Eneos and Sojitz, and Genex Power’s 50 MW Kidston project in northern Queensland.

For wind generation, Potentia Energy’s Flat Rocks Wind Farm in Western Australia recorded the highest average capacity factor at 51%.

At the state level, Victoria recorded the highest combined utility-scale solar and wind generation, reaching 1,387 GWh in August, including 213 GWh from large-scale PV.

More Than 1 GW of Solar and Storage Reaches Financial Close

August also marked a significant month for Australia’s clean energy investment landscape, with more than 1 GW of utility-scale generation and energy storage projects reaching financial close.

Among the projects were Edify Energy’s Ganymirra and Majors Creek developments, which will deliver a combined 300 MW of solar generation and 300 MW / 1,200 MWh of battery energy storage.

Other projects reaching financial close included BW ESS’s 250 MW / 1,000 MWh Yanco Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in New South Wales and Quinbrook’s 260 MW / 1,216 MWh Supernode Stage 3 BESS in Queensland.

The latest figures demonstrate the continued expansion of Australia’s utility-scale renewable energy market, while the decline in solar curtailment highlights the growing importance of battery energy storage in improving renewable energy integration and grid flexibility.