Investors, politicians ambitious for Territory’s giant solar farm project

A SOLAR farm proposed to occupy 15,000ha of the Territory’s Barkly region has charged politicians and investors, eager to get behind and support the project

The 5B Maverick solar power technology is successfully in use the cyclone prone Borroloola and is proposed for a massive solar project near Tennant Creek

A SOLAR farm proposed to occupy 15,000ha of the Territory’s Barkly region has charged politicians and investors, eager to get behind and support the project.

As reported by the NT News yesterday, the project could see a $20 billion solar farm create 1000 jobs in Darwin and 1000 in Adelaide, and would generate one third of Singapore’s electricity.

Through Twitter, possible financial investor Mike Cannon-Brookes said there were plenty of reasons to get behind the project.

“Australia has massive renewable resources. We have a massive nearby customer base. It makes sense,” he said.

“(There’s) still a long way to go — but this would be a bigger lighthouse project than any I’ve seen … we should be the biggest renewable export superpower.”

Mr Cannon-Brookes said if the project went successfully, it could lead to bigger projects which saw solar energy used to power the nation rather than exported.

“If it shows what’s possible, another farm and cable to the eastern seaboard is totally logical,” he said.

“That’s using the NT as a battery for the country.”

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Chief Minister Michael Gunner said while the project appeared a big one on paper, it was one that captured the Territory’s work ethic and commitment to the future.

“In the Territory people dream big then do big — we have a plan for renewables and the worlds biggest solar farm is another example of us just getting on with it,” he said.

“While pollies down south keep arguing about energy we are doing the heavy lifting.

“We are this country’s future and our plan for solar is how we create local jobs.”

Barkly Region council mayor Steve Edgington said the community was thrilled to hear about the proposal by Mr Cannon-Brookes private investment arm Grok Ventures and Singapore based proponents Sun Cable, which could turn around the fortunes of the region.

“Solar power transmitted via a 3800km high voltage direct current cable is an exciting project that could create up to 300 local jobs in Tennant Creek and opportunities for local business,” he said.

🏝Biggest island in the world.
🌞Biggest sun resource.
🌬Biggest wind resource.
☀️Biggest solar farm.
🏗Biggest cable in the world.
🔭Biggest logical vision.

💵We should be the biggest renewable export superpower.

— Mike Cannon-Brookes 👨🏼‍💻🧢 (@mcannonbrookes) June 21, 2019

“As part of the $78.4 million Barkly regional deal our council has continuously advocated for Tennant Creek to become a mining and energy hub with investment that will create real jobs for people in the Barkly.”

“Our council is focused on making the Barkly the best place in the Territory to live, work, visit and invest in.”