Australia Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in australia, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Energy Technology
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Australia has doubled emissions reduction targets for 2030 and set a net-zero goal by 2050. Renewable energy accounted for 38% of Australia’s total electricity generation in 2024. The government aims for renewable energy to comprise over 80% of Australia’s electricity mix by 2030.

Renewable Energy Zones (REZs)

Australia is advancing its renewable energy transition through designated Renewable Energy Zones—areas for large-scale wind and solar projects designed to enhance grid capacity:

  • New South Wales: Five REZs in progress, including Central-West Orana and New England
  • Queensland: Twelve potential REZs expected to contribute 22 GW, targeting 80% renewable energy by 2035
  • Victoria: Six proposed REZs, including Gippsland REZ connecting with offshore wind projects
  • Tasmania: North West REZ focuses on wind energy and hydrogen exports, supported by the Marinus Link subsea cable

Leading Sub-sectors

Solar: Australia’s dry climate and favorable latitude provide exceptional solar energy potential. As of early 2025:

  • 3.9 million solar PV installations with combined capacity of approximately 34.5 GW
  • 4,000+ MW installed in the past year alone
  • Large-scale solar: 6.2 GW across 85 projects, with Queensland leading
  • Residential solar: Over 30% of Australian households have rooftop solar PV

Federal and state rebates for rooftop solar and battery storage continue to lower installation costs, creating opportunities for U.S. companies offering consulting services and IoT-based smart solar energy monitoring solutions.

 

Wind: Wind energy provides approximately 9% of Australia’s total electricity demand. Over the next five years, 60 wind projects valued at $16 billion are planned. Wind energy remains one of the lowest-cost sources of new electricity supply:

  • Current cost: $27-37/MWh (2025 forecast)
  • Projected cost: Below $27/MWh by 2030

Offshore wind is a crucial component of Australia’s decarbonization efforts, governed by the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021. Many coastal regions have been identified as suitable for offshore wind development.

 

Hydrogen: Australia is positioning itself as a leading hydrogen producer for domestic use and export. The Australian Government has invested over $375 million in seven regional hydrogen hubs:

  • Hunter Valley (NSW)
  • Port Bonython (SA)
  • Central Queensland (QLD)
  • Kwinana (WA)
  • Bell Bay (TAS)
  • Townsville (QLD)
  • Pilbara (WA)


Energy Storage: Large-scale energy storage is critical for managing variable renewable electricity generation. As of 2025:

  • Up to 400 new energy storage installations expected to support Australia’s green energy transition
  • 16 large-scale batteries operational, 12 under construction
  • Cumulative storage capacity: 2.7 gigawatt-hours (Wood Mackenzie 2025 report)

Dynamic tariffs (time-of-use) are expected to become more widespread, helping shift peak demand and lower transmission costs. Micro-grids are projected to rely increasingly on renewable energy rather than fossil fuels.

Opportunities for U.S. Companies

 Renewable Energy Projects

  • Solar and Wind: Solar panel manufacturing, wind turbine production, and project development for large-scale installations
  • Energy Storage: Battery technology, grid-scale storage solutions, and advanced energy management systems

Hydrogen Industry

  • Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen production technologies, electrolysis, and fuel cells aligned with Australia’s National Hydrogen Roadmap
  • Hydrogen Export: Storage, transportation, and infrastructure for export supply chains to Asia and international markets

Offshore and Onshore Wind Development

  • Offshore Wind: Technology, supply chain capabilities, and expertise for Australia’s developing offshore wind market
  • Onshore Wind: Turbine manufacturing, project financing, and construction for large-scale and regional installations

Grid Modernization and Smart Grid Solutions

  • Smart Grid Technology: Digital metering, demand response technology, and energy storage management systems
  • Microgrids: Technologies combining renewable generation with energy storage for remote and regional areas, supported by Australia’s Regional Australia Microgrid Pilots Program.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure

  • EV Charging Networks: Chargers, charging stations, and network management software
  • Battery Technology: Lithium-ion, solid-state, and other advanced battery technologies for EVs and energy storage systems


Australia’s commitment to renewable energy creates substantial opportunities for U.S. technology and service providers across the clean energy value chain.

Trade Shows

Australian Clean Energy Summit 2026
Dates: July 28–29, 2026
Location: ICC Sydney
Details: This summit brings together leaders in the clean energy sector to discuss policies and initiatives driving Australia’s transition to renewable energy. ​

All-Energy Australia 2026
Dates: October 28–29, 2026
Location: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Details: Organized in partnership with the Clean Energy Council, this is the largest gathering of renewable energy professionals in the Southern Hemisphere. The event features over 400 exhibitors and more than 450 industry speakers across 80 sessions, attracting over 11,500 industry professionals. ​

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