The Territory Government and Sun Cable have signed a milestone agreement that will advance development of the $22 billion Australia-ASEAN Power Link (AAPL).
The project will see up to $8 billion invested into the Territory, which will host the largest solar farm and renewable energy system in the world.
Today’s (January 28 2021) signing of the Project Development Agreement provides a roadmap for the NT Government and Sun Cable to work in partnership to finalise land tenure and commercial arrangements ahead of the project’s financial close.
The sun-soaked Barkly region has been chosen as the ideal location for a solar farm and battery storage facility, which will be built across 12,000 hectares near Elliott.
Once operational, power from the site will be available 24/7, with the solar farm supporting the 30GW storage facility.
As well as the Barkly’s sunny, cloud-free advantages, the facility will capitalise on the close access to road and rail.
The project will create 1,500 jobs during construction and 350 ongoing positions once operations begin.
Construction for the project will begin immediately after financial close in October 2023.
By 2027, the AAPL will have the capacity to provide a significant amount of renewable energy for the Territory, as well as up to 20 per cent of Singapore’s electricity supply.
This could provide a reliable, affordable energy supply and unlock potential for a green manufacturing hub in Darwin.
Once up and running, it’s estimated the project will export $1 billion dollars’ worth of solar electricity each year.
Source: NT Government