Major Project Status awarded to $20B solar infrastructure project

The Northern Territory Government is supporting Sun Cable’s $20 billion, 10 gigawatt solar farm, the largest under development in the world, expected to create thousands of jobs.

The NT Government has awarded Major Project Status to Sun Cable’s Australia-Singapore Power Link.

The proposed Australia-Singapore Power Link is 10 gigawatt solar farm and a 20-30 gigawatt hour storage facility near Tennant Creek.

Just one gigawatt can power about 100 million LED lights.

The solar farm will supply loads in the Darwin and Singapore markets via high voltage direct current transmission.

The Tennant Creek region has one of the highest solar irradiance resources on the planet, making it a great location for the proposed solar farm.

The project aims to supply long term, competitive, stably priced renewable electricity to the Darwin and Singapore markets.

Chief Minister for the Northern Territory Michael Gunner said The Territory has an incredible opportunity to lead the world as a renewable energy hub.

“The Sun Cable project is a gamechanger for the Territory and will further our reputation around the world as a place to do business and invest,” Mr. Gunner said.

Attracting and securing private investment in the Territory is critical to economic growth and job creation.

Local contractors are being engaged to manufacture prefabricated solar farm technology in Darwin and Adelaide.

A Project Development Agreement (PDA) will now be negotiated between the NT Government and Sun Cable.

The PDA will provide a framework for Sun Cable and the NT Government to work together to get the project through the approvals process.

Sun Cable will be required to prepare and environmental impact statement as well as a Territory Benefit Plan.

The NT Government awards Major Project Status to private sector initiated projects that are significant to help facilitate their development and delivery.

“Major Project Status for Sun Cable is an important step towards making this this vision a reality,” Mr. Gunner said.

“Not only does it announce the Territory as a major world player for renewable energy exports, but also a future where clean, cheap, reliable energy creates local jobs in industries right across the Territory.”