10 renewable energy projects in Australia across solar, wind and BESS

Renewable energy is central to Australia’s path to net zero by 2050, with a target of 82% of renewable energy generation by 2030. Wind and solar will be crucial to powering new clean industries and supporting long-term growth.   

To accelerate the energy transition, Australia is investing in large-scale renewable energy projects, creating demand for skilled workers and job opportunities in the industry. 

This article explores the key projects shaping Australia's clean energy future and the emerging jobs and skills trends. 

How much of Australia’s energy is renewable? 

In 2024, 40% of Australia’s electricity generation came from renewable sources, according to the Clean Energy Council (CEC). This number has increased significantly over the last decade. In 2014, the renewables share was around 13.47%.  

In today’s scenario, wind accounts for 13.4%, followed by rooftop solar (12.4%), utility-scale solar (7.2%), hydro (5.5%) and bioenergy (1.5%).  

Source: Clean Energy Council

Renewable energy jobs: opportunities, skills and challenges 

The Australian Industry Energy Transitions Initiative estimates that the green energy sector supported 26.000 jobs in 2020. To meet Australia’s 2030 targets, a further 60.000 workers will be required. By 2050, the workforce number needed to complete the energy transition is expected to grow to 193.000. 

Where are Australia's green jobs based?  

Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales are set to lead this growth, accounting for over one million roles between 2025 and 2050. Most opportunities will be driven by solar, wind and transmission projects. 

Talent gap challenges 

A major challenge for the renewable energy sector is the shortage of skilled workers. After 2030, only 39% of the green energy workforce demand is expected to be met by workers transitioning from carbon-intensive industries, such as electricians, engineers, metal fitters, mechanics and truck drivers. 

This number won’t be enough. Without stronger training programmes and workforce development, talent shortage could delay projects and increase costs. In response, government and private initiatives, such as The Job Trainer Fund and The Green Skills Academy, are investing in upskilling for the renewable sector. 

In-demand skills and occupations in Australia’s green transition 

Australia’s energy transition is driving strong demand for both technical and managerial expertise. Core skills include electrical work, engineering, and project management, alongside specialised knowledge in wind and solar energy systems. Professionals who can combine hands-on technical ability with renewable energy expertise will be critical to the sector’s success.  

Renewable energy roles currently in shortage include: 

• Electricians 
• Engineering professionals
• Technicians and trades workers
• Construction, distribution and production managers
• Mechanical engineering trades workers 
• Mobile plant operators 
• Construction and mining labourers
• Truck drivers 
• Stationary plan operators 
  

Renewable energy projects in Australia by state 

As for Q3 2025, 142 electricity generation and storage projects are under construction or financially committed across Australia. New South Wales leads with 40 projects, followed by Queensland (28), Victoria (28), Western Australia (22) and South Australia (16).

Two federal initiatives are central to the development of new generation capacity: 

• National Energy Transformation Partnership: Expands the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) to add 32 GW of new capacity by 2030.  
• Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET): Provides financial incentives for renewable electricity generation and supports the market for Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs). 

A slow year for renewable generation projects in 2025 

CEC’s quarterly investments reports show a slowdown in renewable generation projects in 2025. By Q3, financially committed projects' capacity totalled just 1.1 GW, down from 4.4 GW in 2024. Investment reached $960 million, compared with $6.6 billion at the same period from last year.  

Despite this, the pipeline remains strong. The report identifies 80 renewable generation projects either financially committed or under construction, representing 12.4 GW of future capacity.  

Storage investment reaches new highs 

While generation projects have slowed, battery energy storage system (BESS) investment continues to accelerate. Q3 marked the third-highest quarter on record for new storage projects reaching financial commitment, with 1.2GW of capacity and 4GWh of energy output. Commissioned projects also set a new record, with average energy output reaching 975MWh in Q3. 

Four key solar energy projects in Australia 

As for Q3 2025, 51 solar energy projects under construction or financially committed in Australia, representing $8 billion in investment and 6,8GW of future capacity. Key projects include:  

1. Cloudbreak Solar Farm  

The $1 billion solar farm will deliver 190MW of capacity to power Fortescue’s Cloudbreak mine with green energy. Operations start in 2027. 

2. Bulli Creek Solar PV Project 

Stage one of the Bulli Creek Clean Energy Park stage one, a Genex Power and J-Power Systems’ 2GW hybrid project, this $500M solar farm will generate 775MW. Stage two will develop a 600MW/2,400MWh battery storage system. Commercial operations begin in 2027. 

3. Harlin Solar Farm 

Operated by New Energy Development, the $500 million solar farm in Harlin will produce 500MW, enough to power more than 142,000 homes. Launch is set for 2027.

4. Goyder South Solar Project 

Part of Neoen’s Goyder Renewable Zone, this $473 million solar farm will deliver 600MW of capacity in stages 2 and 3 of development. The project will also add 600MW of wind generation and 900MW/1,800MWh of battery storage. Commercial operations are planned for 2029. 

Three key onshore wind projects in Australia

Australia currently has 14 onshore wind projects either in financial commitment or under construction, with more than $11 billion in investments and 4,8GW capacity being created. Leading the list is Queensland, with seven projects, followed by Victoria and Western Australia, with two projects.

1. Robbins Island & Jim’s Plain Wind Project

ACEN Renewables is investing $3 billion in northwest Tasmania to build two wind farms: Robbins Island (900MW) and Jim’s Plain (180MW). Jim’s Plain will start operations in 2027, with full project completion by 2034, including a 400MW solar farm and 40MW battery system. Around 400 jobs will be created at peak construction.

2. Lotus Creek Wind Farm

CS Energy’s $1.3 billion project in Central Queensland will deliver 285MW from 46 turbines, powering 170 thousand homes. Operations begin in 2027, creating 400 construction jobs and 15 permanent roles.

3. Golden Plains Wind Farm – Phase II

This $1.2 billion expansion in Victoria adds 574MW via 93 turbines, powering 315 thousand homes. Completion is set for 2027, generating 700 jobs during construction and 70 ongoing roles. 

Want to explore more about wind farm projects in Australia? Read our article. 

Three key BESS projects in Australia

Australia has 13.3GW of storage capacity and 35GWh of energy output in 74 battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects under construction or financially commitment, with most located in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. Meet three major projects below: 

1. Goulburn River Battery Storage Project  

This $300 million battery storage facility in the Upper Hunter region will deliver 49MW/562MWh of capacity. The hybrid project by Lightsource BP will be connected to the 450MW Goulburn River Solar Farm and operations are set to start in 2027. 

2. Yallourn Battery Storage Project 

EnergyAustralia and Banpu PCL are building a 350MW/1400MWh BESS in Latrobe Valley to replace the retiring Yallourn brown coal plant. The $436 million project is scheduled to start operations by 2027. 

3. Portland Battery Storage Project 

Pacific Green Technologies is developing a 1GW/2.5GWh capacity facility in Portland City. The $1.5 billion project will feature four 250MW BESS and a 500kV grid connection. Commercial operations are planned to start in 2028. 

Need professionals for your renewable energy project? 

The success of renewable energy projects depends on skilled professionals at every stage, from design and engineering to construction and operations. Finding and mobilising this expertise is one of the sector’s biggest challenges. 

With a global presence and proven experience in energy recruitment, Airswift connects organisations to top talent across wind, solar, and storage projects. Our dedicated consultants support clients through the full project lifecycle, ensuring you have the right people in the right place at the right time. 

If you’re ready to accelerate your renewable energy initiatives, contact us today.