TRANSMISSION &
DISTRIBUTION

Building the Grid for a Clean Energy Future

STRONGER NETWORKS
FOR A RENEWABLE
NATION

Australia’s energy networks are central to the clean energy future. They connect abundant renewable resources like solar, wind, and batteries to communities, businesses, and industries across the country. As we see rapid growth in these technologies, often located far from where power is used, Australia’s transmission and distribution systems must adapt quickly to deliver electricity safely, efficiently, and flexibly over long distances.

Electricity demand is expected to double by 2050. Meeting this demand means delivering ultra low-cost renewable electricity which is essential not just for households and businesses but also for energy-intensive industries and domestic clean-tech manufacturing. A modern, flexible grid will help reduce costs and support Australia’s ambition to produce 70% of the National Electricity Market’s annual energy from renewable sources by 2035.

7X

demand for solar, wind and battery technologies is expected to grow sevenfold by 2035

35%

electricity generation is Australia’s largest source of emissions, accounting for 35% of the national total

140TWH

of new electricity demand by 2050, doubling today’s grid requirements

SECTOR OVERVIEW

Much of our electricity grid was built for a different era and is now aging, congested, and not designed to manage large amounts of renewable energy. Upgrading and modernising these networks is fundamental to support the large-scale decarbonisation of Australia’s electricity system while keeping power reliable and affordable for all Australians.

The shift to clean energy is transforming networks but also causing delays, such as 12 to 24 months waiting times for new project connections and limited local testing slowing technology deployment.

If unaddressed, these challenges risk slowing renewable growth, delaying emissions cuts, and deterring investment. Countries investing in grid modernisation are scaling clean energy rapidly. Australia has the expertise and resources to lead, but only with accelerated investment and collaboration.

Upgrading transmission and distribution will unlock renewable potential, create jobs, boost regional economies, strengthen energy security, and position Australia as a clean energy technology exporter.

powering Australia sectors - transmission & distribution_1

MAKING IT HAPPEN

Powering Australia is playing a leading role in shaping the future of the nation’s energy networks.

We bring together government, industry, researchers, and communities to speed up infrastructure upgrades, promote innovation, and unlock new investment opportunities.

Our work includes supporting the development of local testing and validation facilities and championing grid modernisation projects. We provide data platforms and collaboration forums to enable sharing of knowledge and coordinated action across the clean energy ecosystem.

By working together, we can build an energy network that is strong, flexible, and ready to power Australia’s clean energy generation for decades to come.