The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) Services has launched registrations for the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) Tender 4 to facilitate the development of 6 GW of renewable energy projects within Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM).

The initiative is part of the Australian Government’s efforts to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy supply for households and businesses nationwide.

The registration period for interested proponents runs from November 29, 2024, to February 11, 2025.

Stage A of the bidding process is scheduled to commence on December 13, 2024, with project submissions due by February 18, 2025.

The CIS Tender 4 is open to new wind and solar projects within NEM and unsuccessful projects in CIS Tender 1.

The capacity allocations are distributed across jurisdictions, with New South Wales receiving 2.2 GW, Victoria 1.4 GW, South Australia 300 MW, and Tasmania 300 MW, while the remaining 1.8 GW is open to eligible projects across all NEM jurisdictions.

Successful projects will benefit from long-term revenue agreements, with the federal government providing underwriting through agreed revenue floors and ceilings to ensure financial stability and project viability.

In June, AEMO invited bids to procure 1 GW of long-duration energy storage and provide access rights in the South West Renewable Energy Zone for up to 3.98 GW capacity under the New South Wales Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap’s fifth tender round.

Last December, Australia invited bids to develop up to 600 MW of four-hour equivalent or 2,400 MWh energy storage projects in South Australia or Victoria. The tender will allocate 800 MWh each to South Australia and Victoria, and an additional 800 MWh will be allocated to either.

Earlier, Squadron Energy, Neoen Australia, A-CAES NSW (Hydrostor Australia), Lightsource Development Services Australia, and Ark Energy Projects were declared winners in the AEMO auction to develop 950 MW of renewable energy projects and 550 MW of long-duration storage.