Public feedback is being sought on the proposed development of a $400 million Darwin Renewable Energy Hub (REH).
The project will play a pivotal role in supplying more affordable, secure and cleaner energy for households and businesses on the Darwin-Katherine electricity system.
The REH involves the co-location of up to six large-scale solar farms, capable of generating 180-210 megawatts of renewable energy, alongside a battery energy storage system, all on a single site near existing network infrastructure.
The proposed site is 940 hectares of Crown Land located on the west side of Finn Road, about 19 kilometres south of Palmerston and four kilometres north of Berry Springs. The development area within the proposed site is about 500 hectares.
All electricity produced in the hub will be fed directly into the Darwin-Katherine grid, supplying clean and renewable power to Territory households and businesses.
A comprehensive site selection process was undertaken to identify the most suitable location, with the proposed site identified for industry under the Darwin Regional Land Use Plan.
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The consultation process will allow local residents, the community, businesses and key stakeholders to obtain information about the project and provide feedback.
The final project design and investment decision will be informed by feedback provided through this consultation process.
Subject to a final investment decision on the project, implementation is expected to run from 2025 to 2030.
Gerard Maley, NT, Minister for Renewables, said the project would boost the local economy over its operating life, creating around 500 jobs during construction and operation, including long-term sustainable jobs.
“A key priority of the government is economic development through jobs creation and this project represents a considerable injection into the Territory economy,” he said.
“It is expected to generate over $400 million in local supply chain spending during construction and large-scale private investment in generation and energy storage.
“It is great for the economy and great for the environment, but the Darwin REH will also enable enhanced energy security and grid resilience, as well as place downward pressure on electricity bills.”
Public consultation will close at 5pm on Friday 28 February 2025.
For more information and to provide feedback, https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/darwin-renewable-energy-hub-site-location