Solar and wind power supplied a record 80.4% of electricity demand on Australia’s main power grid on Saturday, marking a major milestone in the country’s transition towards renewable energy.
Rooftop solar alone provided more than half of electricity demand for a 30-minute period around midday, supported by large-scale solar farms and wind generation. Hydropower contributed about 1%, leaving coal and gas to supply roughly 20% of demand.
The record was helped by sunny weather, strong renewable generation and relatively low electricity demand. Researchers said Australia is experiencing a period of rapidly increasing renewable penetration as new solar and wind capacity comes online.
However, the milestone does not mean renewable energy is supplying 80% of Australia’s electricity throughout the year. Australia’s average renewable share for the year to June was about 44%, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator. National data also shows renewables accounted for 42% of on-grid generation in 2025.
Some surplus renewable electricity was stored in batteries and pumped-hydro facilities, while some generation was curtailed because of network constraints, system-security requirements and low electricity prices.
The achievement comes as Australia faces the challenge of increasing investment to meet its target of obtaining 82% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
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