Eric Chan

July 2025 spot market conditions reflected strong pricing in SA and TAS, and more moderate pricing in the other Regions. SA also dominated FCAS costs for the month which were the highest SA FCAS costs since Nov-22, and the second highest in SA’s history. Gas markets operated within normal ranges.

In July, capacity increased by 215MW, Generator Weighted Average prices declined along with Time Weighted Averages, VRE curtailment rates increased, and batteries provided crucial grid stability. VIC remained the dominant energy exporter while Snowy storages are the lowest in 5-years.

The Q3-25 quarter spot prices have struggled to meet forward price expectations leading to a softening of the current quarter forward price and all future periods. However, the quarter is not yet finished, and there is time for a recovery.

June 2025 caused a strong finish to the financial year with extreme volatility across the NEM, although QLD’s impact was tempered by interconnector constraints. Power plant outages were a big driver on spot price outcomes. Gas prices were also elevated during critical days.

Generation capacity grew by 1,172MW. Extreme price events lifted wind and solar GWA prices, though farms couldn't fully capitalise on these events, resulting in larger discounts to TWA prices. The curtailment rate for solar and wind rose in most regions. TAS net imports from VIC hit a 15-year high.

Battery storage grew by 490MWh in May, with the addition of two new large-scale batteries in SA. QLD batteries outperformed other BESS of the NEM, amassing $6.3m in revenue. Renewable generation levels for May surged thanks to clearer weather, growing solar capacity, and record high wind generation.

NSW had the strongest average spot price for the NEM in May. Across the NEM prices were correlated with wind generation, with periods of high wind, crushing spot prices, and low wind combined with cold weather pushing up prices. Gas spot prices softened in line with the ACCC netback price.

The NEM expanded by 201MW in April. Wind farm GWA prices aligned better with rising spot prices, while solar farms showed contrary trends. All regions suffered higher wind curtailment than last April. TAS hydro generation hit a seven-year April low, deepening dependence on VIC’s exports.

Mild April weather led to subdued demand and average spot price outcomes across the NEM, except for short evening peak volatility for QLD and NSW early in the month. In the news, success for Labor Party confirms the ongoing transition to renewables and a strong stance on emission reduction targets.

The Q1-25 quarter spot prices finished in the bottom quartile of our spot forecast, creating a significant seller’s margin profit for the quarter. Forward market prices generally rallied during the month, reversing the February downward trend.

In March, 1,147MW of new capacity was connected. QLD was the only region to enjoy an increase in Generator Weighted Average prices, while wind weighted prices fell for all regions. SA solar and wind suffered the most curtailment. VIC was the dominant energy exporter and NSW the largest importer.