Australia’s main power grid capacity needs to triple by 2050, including a fivefold rise in large-scale wind, solar, and storage projects, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) draft integrated system plan. The national electricity market, which links the five eastern states and the ACT, will see renewables replace coal as bulk electricity sources. Electricity use is expected to almost double as homes, industry, electric vehicles, and data centers increase their power demand. AEMO estimates that upgrading the energy grid will cost $128 billion in today’s money. Delaying the transition or missing the Albanese government’s 2030 target of 82% renewable generation will make it more expensive. Currently, renewables supply about 43% of electricity annually and 50% monthly. Experts say renewable growth must more than double to meet 2030 goals. Transmission lines expansion is now expected to be 6,000 km, reduced from 8,000 km previously, partly because Queensland’s government canceled a major pumped hydro project. This upgrade will cost about $9 billion but will save consumers $22 billion and cut emissions by $2 billion, compared to no new transmission. Rooftop solar is growing fast, now on over 4 million homes and businesses. AEMO says small solar units must quadruple by 2050. Two-thirds of coal plants are likely to close within the next decade, possibly earlier than scheduled, though some will run until 2049 due to Queensland’s decision to extend coal operations. Remaining coal plants will increasingly adjust operations with the rise of cheap solar during the day. New gas power plants will replace old ones and increase capacity by 25% but will run only about 7% yearly, mainly as backup during winter nights. AEMO CEO Daniel Westerman said, "Renewable energy, firmed with storage, backed up by gas and connected with upgraded networks" is the cheapest way to meet Australia’s energy needs. He warned that slow progress would harm consumers and risk power reliability. David McElrea of the Smart Energy Council summed it up: "The more we delay, the more we pay."