How NT Govt plans to take the lead on sustainable energy

Electricity market reforms, developing strategies for the Territory’s target of 50 per cent renewables by 2030, and helping create cheap, reliable, and clean energy are targets for the Northern Territory Government’s new Office of Sustainable Energy.

Dale Wakefield MLA, Minister for Territory Families at the site of the new youth detention centre in Howard Springs. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

Electricity market reforms, developing strategies for advancing the Territory’s target of 50 per cent renewables by 2030, and seizing opportunities for the creation of cheap, reliable, and clean energy are targets for the Northern Territory Government’s new Office of Sustainable Energy.

The office, tasked with co-ordinating energy policy and the implementation of renewables across Government, has been set up within the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation.

The NT Minister for Renewables, Energy and Essential Services, Dale Wakefield said the office is also developing a Solar and Renewable Hydrogen investment attraction strategy for the Northern Territory.

Ms Wakefield is representing the Territory today at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council meeting in Perth.

The Energy Council is a forum of Commonwealth, states and territory, and New Zealand governments. Through the Energy Council, the Territory Government contributes to the development of national energy reforms.

Ms Wakefield said the Territory is well placed to be a significant player in national and international sustainable energy.

“That’s why the Territory Government has created the Office of Sustainable Energy to co-ordinate energy policy across Government and ensure that we seize the economic opportunities that new renewable industries will create” she said.

“Projects like Sun Cable’s $20B Asia Singapore Power Link show the incredible economic opportunity the Territory’s renewable resources present.

“The worldwide transition to cheap, clean, renewable energy presents incredible economic opportunities for the Northern Territory.”