AEMO Quarterly Review
Each quarter, AEMO shares some of the major developments shaping Australia's energy systems and what they mean for households, businesses and the wider community.
A look back at our last quarter – Q3, 2026
During the quarter, AEMO published its annual assessments of future electricity reliability and power system risks, reported on its FY26 performance and strengthened preparations for the summer months ahead.
Explore the key developments, publications, and insights from the quarter below.
Operational and market insights
Energy market trends and operational insights
Australia's electricity systems continue to change as renewable energy, rooftop solar and batteries supply more of our electricity.
Across the National Electricity Market, renewable generation reached a record 80.4% share during September. Batteries also continued to grow across eastern and western Australia, storing electricity when it is plentiful and supplying it when demand is higher, while helping keep the power system secure.
Explore: Quarterly Energy Dynamics report
Electricity reliability and future demand AEMO's 2026
Electricity Statement of Opportunities found no forecast reliability gaps in the National Electricity Market to 2030. However, continued investment will be important. Around 15 GW of coal and gas generation is expected to retire over the next decade, while electricity use is forecast to grow by more than 40%.
The report also examines growing demand from data centres and what different levels of development could mean for future electricity reliability.
Explore: 2026 NEM Electricity Statement of Opportunities
Strengthening power system security
As Australia's electricity system changes, AEMO regularly assesses emerging risks that could affect its secure operation. The latest review looked at risks including the rapid growth of large electricity users and changes to the mix of generation and network infrastructure.
Identifying these risks early helps AEMO and industry prepare for changes and keep the electricity system secure.
Explore: 2026 General Power System Risk Review
Navigating the energy future
AEMO's performance and priorities
During the quarter, AEMO released its FY26 Annual Report and shared its Year in Review and FY27 Outlook with more than 500 stakeholders through briefings and webinars. These engagements provided an opportunity to reflect on AEMO's operational and financial performance, stakeholder feedback and priorities for the year ahead.
AEMO remains focused on delivering secure and reliable system and market operations, strengthening organisational performance, managing costs and providing value to stakeholders.
Explore: AEMO Annual Reports
Explore: Year in Review and FY27 Outlook
Progressing transmission and market reforms
A significant milestone was reached with the commencement of operational testing of Project EnergyConnect on 1 October 2026, connecting South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria through a new transmission pathway.
AEMO has worked closely with industry to prepare the market and power system for the interconnector, alongside progressing reforms to improve the visibility and integration of flexible energy resources.
Explore: Project EnergyConnect
Explore: AEMO's NEM Reform Program
Preparing for the warmer months
Following a relatively stable winter, AEMO continued working with governments and industry to prepare for changing seasonal conditions.
Spring and summer readiness activities have focused on managing low operational demand, system security, extreme weather risks and generation and transmission availability.
These preparations support the ongoing safe, secure and reliable operation of Australia's energy systems as the generation mix and patterns of electricity demand continue to change.
More from AEMO
Looking ahead
AEMO's upcoming work will continue to focus on system reliability, security and planning for Australia's changing energy needs.
Key publications and initiatives include the Transition Plan for System Security, WA Gas Statement of Opportunities, Draft 2026 Inputs, Assumptions and Scenarios Report, and the inaugural draft Demand-side Statement of Opportunities.
These assessments will provide further insights to support investment, industry planning and the continued transformation of Australia's energy systems.