Renewable energy tender awards 6.4 GW, future round opens for 6 GW more
Australia’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) continues to drive renewable energy development, with 19 projects selected in the first tender (Tender 1 – NEM Generation) and a new tender (Tender 4) now open.
The Australian Government has announced the outcomes of Capacity Investment Scheme NEM Generation Tender 1, awarding contracts for 6.4 GW of renewable electricity generation and 3.6 GWh of storage capacity across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia. This makes it the largest renewable energy tender ever conducted in the country.
Tender 1 Results
Tender 1 aimed to secure capacity in key jurisdictions and distribute the remaining capacity across the National Electricity Market (NEM) based on project merit. Minimum capacity targets were:
- New South Wales: 2.2 GW
- South Australia: 300 MW
- Victoria: 1.4 GW
- Tasmania: 300 MW
The remaining 1.8 GW of capacity was allocated to high-quality projects across the NEM. Subject to final contract execution, the selected projects will deliver:
- New South Wales: 3,661 MW (904 MWh)
- South Australia: 574 MW
- Victoria: 1,590 MW (1,458 MWh)
- Queensland: 550 MW (1,200 MWh)
Upcoming Tender: CIS Tender 4
Tender 4 is now open, with a target of 6 GW of renewable energy projects in the NEM. Proponents can register until 5:00 pm AEDT on 11 February 2025. Project bids must be submitted by 5:00 pm AEDT on 18 February 2025.
The registration period has been extended to accommodate the end-of-year shutdown. A Q&A process is available to participants until 11 February 2025, though it will pause between 20 December 2024 and 13 January 2025.
Participation Details
Projects that were not successful in Tender 1 are eligible and encouraged to reapply for Tender 4. Interested parties must register via the tender portal, accessible through the AEMO Services website here. Key documents, including Tender Guidelines, are also available online to assist participants.
About the Capacity Investment Scheme
The CIS aims to support the deployment of 32 GW of renewable and dispatchable capacity by 2030 as Australia transitions from coal-fired power stations. The initiative contributes to the government’s goal of achieving 82% renewable electricity generation by 2030.
CIS tenders will be held approximately every six months until 2027, with plans to deliver 23 GW of renewable capacity and 9 GW of clean dispatchable capacity. AEMO Services administers the tender process and recommends bids to the government, while the Minister for Climate Change and Energy makes the final decisions.
