The Northern Territory Government has awarded Major Project Status to Sun Cable’s $20 billion Australia-Singapore Power Link (ASPL), the largest solar farm under development in the world.
The project is a 10-gigawatt solar farm and a 20 to 30-gigawatt hour storage facility near Tennant Creek.
The project aims to create long term, competitive, stably priced renewable energy to Darwin and Singapore. It will supply energy through a high voltage direct current transmission.
It has the potential to create 1000 construction jobs, followed by 300 operational jobs when complete. Local contractors are already being engaged to manufacture prefabricated solar farm technology in Darwin and Adelaide.
Tennant Creek has one of the highest solar irradiance resources on the planet, making it an ideal location for a solar farm.
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Integrating the ASPL into the developing ASEAN power grid will be assessed in the detail during development.
A project development agreement (PDA) will be negotiated between the NT Government and Sun Cable. The PDA will provide the framework for the two organisations to collaborate on the project for the required approvals processes.
Sun Cable will be required to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and Territory Benefit Plan.
Major Projects Status recognises the strategic significant of a project and provides coordination and facilitation support, along with a single entry point for the approvals process.
NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the territory has an incredible opportunity to lead the world as a renewable energy hub and create thousands of local jobs.
“We have the guaranteed cloud free days, the land and a government with the vision, plan and will to make it happen,” Gunner said.
“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.
“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.”