CleanTechnica•1 day ago
Big News: 3 Free Hours of Power in Australia
Key Takeaway
This policy introduces unprecedented market distortion with free power periods, forcing developers and large consumers to fundamentally rethink operational strategies, investment decisions, and demand management.
AI Summary
- •The Australian government is launching the 'Solar Sharer energy reform' in July 2026, offering 3 hours of free electricity daily to consumers in South East Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales, with other states joining in 2027.
- •This policy represents a significant market intervention, creating periods of zero-cost electricity that will drastically reshape demand patterns and wholesale pricing during those hours.
- •Developers must re-evaluate project economics, particularly for solar and storage, considering potential negative pricing or reduced revenue during the free hours, and new arbitrage opportunities.
- •Large power consumers and IPPs should strategize to shift demand, optimize operations, and deploy storage to capitalize on the free power periods and mitigate costs during other times.
Topics
solarstoragepolicydatacenterppa
Article Content
In a surprising move, the Australian government is advocating giving the public access to free electricity for three hours a day starting next July. The Solar Sharer energy reform will be available in South East Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales. Other states will join in 2027. The reform ... [continued] The post Big News: 3 Free Hours of Power in Australia appeared first on CleanTechnica .