Accelerated Connections Fund

Overview

The Accelerated Connections Fund aims to fast-track the connection of renewable energy generation (solar, wind, etc.) and storage (such as battery storage) projects by addressing current delays and improving the efficiency of grid access, which is crucial for meeting the country’s renewable energy and emissions reduction goals. The program seeks to accelerate connections across the pre-feasibility, enquiry, application, contracts, construction, and completion phases.  The Australian Energy Market Operator Limited (AEMO) will be involved in all connections, regardless of geographic location, and will deliver the program outcomes working with Transmission Network Service Providers (TNSPs) in each state and territory. The objective of the program is to expedite the connection process of generation and storage connections across the National Electricity Market (NEM). The intended outcomes of the program are to: enhance the reliability of the NEM reduce wholesale energy prices, lower inflationary pressure, and provide consumer cost of living relief contribute to achieving the Australian Government’s target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030.