Daily Briefing

AEMC

Previously reported 24 Apr — The Reliability Panel proposed changes to the reliability standard for 2028 to 2032 on 23 April 2026 under project reference REL0094, while AEMC released network pricing reform proposals on 22 April 2026 that could deliver A$6 billion in system savings under project reference EPR0097.

ARENA

Previously reported 24 Apr — ARENA announced A$11 million in funding on April 24, 2026 for two First Nations-led microgrid projects in the Northern Territory to improve power reliability and create commercial opportunities for Indigenous communities in the clean energy transition.

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

Previously reported 24 Apr — AEMO's latest Connections Scorecard released on 23 April shows renewable energy projects are reducing timeframes from application to commissioning, while the AEMC released new modelling on 22 April forecasting substantial savings from network pricing reform.

Australian Energy Regulator

Previously reported 23 Apr — AER publishes its final decision on Transgrid's Central-West Orana Enabling Project for the 2026 to 2031 regulatory period on 23 April 2026, providing regulatory certainty for renewable energy developers in one of NSW's priority REZ developments.

PV Magazine Australia

Two First Nations communities in the Northern Territory will share A$11 million in ARENA funding that will enable the design, development and leadership of their own microgrid projects, creating a remote First Nations communities energy transition blueprint. This funding represents ARENA's continued focus on supporting Indigenous-led energy projects as part of broader efforts to decarbonise remote communities across northern Australia. The blueprint approach establishes a replicable model that will accelerate microgrid deployment across remote Indigenous communities, creating new market opportunities for developers with community engagement expertise. Sydney researchers in partnership with industry have launched a solar panel recycling hub to improve solar panel waste circular economy technologies and resource extraction, adding another boost to Australia's existing initiatives. This development responds to the approaching wave of solar panel end-of-life waste as Australia's early solar installations reach retirement, requiring new industry capabilities for materials recovery. The hub will drive down recycling costs and create new revenue streams for project operators while establishing Australian leadership in solar waste management technologies.