Daily Briefing

ARENA

Previously reported 13 Apr — ARENA has committed up to $25

ARENA Blog

Previously reported 11 Apr — ARENA and DIgSILENT Pacific's December 2025 rule change proposal to the AEMC has been formally published, with the AEMC establishing a dedicated rule change project titled "Access to power system data and modelling in the NEM

The Energy

The Safeguard Mechanism polluters achieved only a negligible reduction in emissions during 2024-25, falling short of the policy's intended impact and intensifying reform pressure on the Albanese government's flagship climate policy. Meanwhile, Victoria's government has threatened to regulate a new EV charging tariff framework if the Australian Energy Regulator fails to act, as the state moves to remove commercial barriers hindering electric vehicle charger deployment. These developments signal heightened regulatory uncertainty around both carbon pricing mechanisms and EV infrastructure policy settings that could affect project financing costs and approval timelines across the clean energy sector.

Clean Energy Regulator

The Clean Energy Regulator published 2024–25 Safeguard Mechanism data on 15 April 2026, providing the latest compliance and emissions performance information for Australia's largest industrial emitters. Additionally, the 2026 National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme public consultation opened on 09 April 2026, seeking stakeholder input on potential regulatory changes. These developments are critical for infrastructure investors and project developers as the Safeguard data reveals market demand for carbon offsets while the NGER consultation may introduce new reporting requirements affecting operational compliance costs.

Australian Energy Regulator

The AER has published its final determination on Transgrid's Central-West Orana Enabling Project for the 2026–31 regulatory period. The decision covers transmission infrastructure critical to connecting the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, representing a key milestone in NSW's renewable energy transition strategy. This regulatory approval reduces investment uncertainty for renewable energy developers planning projects in the CWO REZ and provides clarity on transmission access costs for the five-year period.

RenewEconomy

Snowy Hydro has secured a $1.9 billion contract to supply 100 percent renewable power for a state's trains, trams and electric buses, beating out competitors including Origin Energy after a two-year tender process. The deal represents one of the largest renewable energy supply agreements in the transport sector to date. This contract signals strong government commitment to decarbonising public transport infrastructure, creating precedent for similar large-scale renewable procurement across other states and transport operators.

PV Magazine Australia

The New South Wales government has signed a seven-year, $1.9 billion contract with Snowy Energy to power all public transport operations with renewable energy. The deal with the federal government-owned Snowy Hydro retail arm represents one of Australia's largest renewable energy procurement contracts by a state government. This signals significant long-term revenue certainty for renewable energy developers and retailers while demonstrating how government procurement can drive large-scale clean energy demand.

Hydro Tasmania

Hydro Tasmania has passed the halfway mark of a $62 million upgrade at Lemonthyme Power Station on 17 April 2026, which forms a critical part of the Mersey-Forth Hydropower Scheme enhancement. Separately, the company commenced public exhibition of environmental assessments for the Tarraleah hydropower scheme redevelopment on 13 April 2026, following the kickoff of construction tenders in February. These major infrastructure upgrades signal accelerated capital deployment in Tasmania's hydropower assets, creating potential opportunities for engineering contractors and equipment suppliers while advancing critical grid reliability projects ahead of increased renewable energy integration.