CLP to power up NT economy through national grid connection, starting up hydrogen industry

A VISIONARY plan to connect the NT to the national electricity grid and build the Territory’s footing in the burgeoning hydrogen market is part of the CLP’s energy plan, should the party take government.

CLP Karama candidate Brian O'Gallagher, leader Lia Finocchiaro and Fannie Bay candidate Tracey Hayes reveal the party’s energy policy. Picture: Madura McCormack

A VISIONARY plan to connect the NT to the national electricity grid and build the Territory’s footing in the burgeoning hydrogen market is part of the CLP’s energy plan, should the party take government.

The plan, which includes connecting the NT to the National Electricity Market via Queensland and South Australia, hopes to turn the Territory into a clean energy powerhouse for the country.

“If we were connected into the NEM we would then have an opportunity to generate clean energy here in the Territory through solar, using our gas as a transitional fuel and ensure that we can get that all-important products to market,” Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said.

MORE NT POLITICS NEWS

NTEC expecting surge in postal voters for Territory election

Territory Alliance to overhaul youth justice system to focus on rehab and diversion if elected

Former Labor MLA Ted Warren to run as an independent in Goyder

The CLP’s energy policy honours the current government’s 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.

The party would have the Utilities Commission figure out the best and most cost-effective way to connect the NT to the national grid.

Initial CLP modelling shows this could happen by connecting the Katherine grid to Tennant Creek, where a new gas power station with the ability to be retrofitted with hydrogen capabilities will be built.

Alongside this, the CLP’s vision is to then connect Tennant Creek to the resource-rich Mt Isa, which is due to be connected to the national grid within a few years when a $1.5 billion 1100km largely privately funded powerline project — Copperstring 2.0 — comes online.

Eventually Tennant Creek would be connected to Alice Springs and ultimately to the NEM via South Australia.

LIMITED TIME: New NT News subscription offer: $1 a week for the first 12 weeks

The CLP would also create a task force within the Department of Chief Minister to explore specific options to help the Territory achieve zero net emissions, including carbon offsets, carbon sequestration and improving energy efficiency of the public and private sector.