Planned $22bn NT solar farm on the fast track after winning federal government major project status

THE $22 billion Sun Cable solar plan to power the NT and Singapore has been given a huge boost after the federal government helped fast-track it by giving it major project status

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THE ambitious $22 billion Sun Cable solar plan to power the Northern Territory and Singapore has been given a massive boost after the federal government helped to fast-track the project by giving it priority status as a major project.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, made the formal announcement today, endorsing what is Australia’s largest renewable energy infrastructure project.

The project creates 1500 Australian jobs during construction, 350 ongoing jobs in Australia, as well as indirectly supporting about 12,000 Australian jobs.

It will also lead to the production of a new solar farm factory.

This solar farm in Brazil gives an idea of the scale of the Sun Cable project. Picture: AFP

Ms Andrews and the federal government has singled out the Northern Territory project’s potential to inject billions of dollars into the economy and create thousands of Australian jobs.

The proposed Australian ASEAN Power Link (AAPL) will be one of the world’s largest dispatchable renewable electricity systems, supported by the world’s largest battery and solar farm in the Barkly region near Tennant Creek.

Ms Andrews said the project drew on Australia’s world-class solar technology and hi-tech manufacturing capability to export renewable energy on a massive scale.

“Not only will this power link make Australia a world leader, it will also create significant economic and employment opportunities here at home,” Ms Andrews said.

“There will be about $8 billion of the $22 billion investment to be injected directly into Australia.

“It’s a strong statement to all Australians that despite the immediate challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic we will come out the other side stronger and industry is still investing in opportunities that will drive our economic recovery and create much needed jobs.”

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Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, was equally enthusiastic.

“Projects like this will help maintain Australia’s longstanding position as an energy exporting powerhouse,” Mr Taylor said.

“Australia has long been a world leader in energy exports.

“As technologies change, we can capitalise on our strengths in renewables to continue to lead the world in energy exports.”

Sun Cable chief executive David Griffin said the company was delighted that the Australian-ASEAN Power Link had been granted major project status.

“It is a significant milestone for the AAPL, which will see Australia become a world leader in renewable electricity trade, generating approximately $2 billion worth of exports for Australia annually,” Mr Griffin said.

“This project is helping to grow a new industry, using intercontinental HVDC submarine transmission systems, to supply renewable electricity to major load centres in the Indo-Pacific and support the region’s low-emissions goals.”

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Major project status is the federal government’s recognition of the strategic significance of a project to Australia.

It provides companies with extra support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency, including a single entry point for federal government approvals, project support and co-ordination, and help with state and territory approvals.