The Northern Territory Government is committed to securing Jabiru’s energy future by investing in new power generation.
Ekistica Pty Ltd, a local Alice Springs based company, has won a competitive process to advise the Northern Territory Government on options for the future power solution for Jabiru.
Department of the Chief Minister Deputy Chief Executive, Andrew Cowan said Ekistica Pty Ltd will consider how the power solution can be consistent with the Northern Territory Government’s target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030, while at the same time ensuring secure and reliable electricity at the least cost to consumers and taxpayers.
“Ekistica will also look at options to connect the Jabiru electricity grid to nearby homelands and the ranger stations in Kakadu National Park,” Mr Cowan said.
“Jabiru is Aboriginal Land and Ekistica will work closely with the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation and other stakeholders including the West Arnhem Regional Council, Energy Resource Australia Ltd and Power and Water Corporation to determine a long-term power solution for the township.”
Ekistica Pty Ltd. will provide advice on:
- risks and opportunities associated with the inclusion of electricity generated by renewables at or above the level of 50% of consumption.
- opportunities and challenges arising from the introduction of innovative technology e.g. smart grid or smart energy management systems.
- opportunities and challenges arising from the introduction of battery storage and other commercially available forms of load management techniques.
- opportunities to secure funding from outside of the NT Government.
Ekistica Pty Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Centre for Appropriate Technology, a majority Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and governed not-for-profit enterprise.
Ekistica Managing Director, Lyndon Frearson said as an NT based company, Ekistica is delighted to be working with the traditional owners, stakeholders and Jabiru community on this exciting project.
“This project presents a fantastic opportunity to bring the capability and capacity that Ekistica have built up around Australia and Asia Pacific home to the Northern Territory,” Mr Frearson said.
A power station owned and operated by Energy Resource of Australia Ltd (ERA) at the Ranger Uranium Mine currently generates Jabiru’s electricity. ERA intend to decommission this power station once mine operations cease in 2021.
Source: NT Government