Neoen Australia raised a $1.8 billion debt financing package for a 1.2 GW renewable energy portfolio. The portfolio includes the 440 MW Culcairn Solar Farm and two battery storage projects, including the 150 MW Hornsdale Power Reserve. In the NEM, AEMO recorded a non-credible contingency event in Victoria at 03:30 on 31 October. The Hazelwood to Rowville No.1 220 kV line and the Woreen battery energy storage system tripped. AEMO did not instruct load shedding and received no advice of bulk electrical load disconnection.
The Commonwealth Government launched the Renewable Energy Developer Rating Scheme. The scheme published the scores of the first five rated companies, including Iberdrola, assessed against seven performance criteria. At the All-Energy Australia 2026 conference, Tesla representatives characterised the eight-hour battery storage market as an artificial sector dependent on government underwriting. The company stated that developers of long-duration assets should utilise asymmetric registration to enhance project revenues.
TasNetworks appointed Renée Anderson as chief executive officer following a national search. TasNetworks chair Roger Gill announced the appointment, stating Anderson brings a proven track record in leadership. Swinburne University spinout Microcomb launched a miniature optical chip. The company designed the chip to reduce energy consumption and increase data throughput within artificial intelligence data centres.
The NEM recorded a mean price of $43.7/MWh. South Australia stood out with an average of $17.9/MWh and 20.7 hours of negative prices. Tasmania reached the highest price of $150/MWh at 13:40. New South Wales recorded the demand peak of 8,236 MW at 19:25. Renewables generated 50.3 per cent of energy across the trading day.
Gold fell 3.5 per cent to US$3,890.0 an ounce. TTF Gas rose 4.7 per cent to EUR103.19/MWh.
AER published a decision rejecting proposed tariff structure statement amendments by Ergon Energy and Energex. AEMO opened consultation on East Coast Gas Life Support Changes, with submissions closing 17 November. Western Power commenced a $6 million roll-out of 100 early fault detection devices on regional power poles. ElectraNet opened community consultation on future power options for Leigh Creek and Hawker. SA Power Networks retired its authority to connect forms. Jemena and Zinfra released their 2026 modern slavery statement detailing supplier due diligence steps.