AEMO warns on energy shortages after coal closures

Tuesday 25 August 2026

I have warned repeatedly that Australia’s energy system is on a collision course with physics and reality.

To recap, coal is currently the backbone of Australia’s electricity grid, accounting for 58% of NEM generation over the past three months:

NEM Power Mix – Past 3 months

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About the author

Leith van Onselen is Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super. He is also a co-founder of MacroBusiness. Leith has previously worked at the Australian Treasury, Victorian Treasury and Goldman Sachs.