The game-changing $20 billion solar farm project planned for the Northern Territory, plus jobs in SA

A $20 billion plan for the world’s largest solar farm will create 1000 jobs in Adelaide, plus 1300 more in the Northern Territory — and that’s not even the most impressive part.

The 15,000 hectare project, which has attracted the interest of Australian billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes’private investment arm Grok Ventures.

A $20 billion solar farm project planned for the Northern Territory will create 1000 Adelaide jobs, plus another 1300 in Darwin and Tennant Creek, while also exporting energy to Asia.

The 15,000 hectare project, which has attracted the interest of Australian billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes’private investment arm Grok Ventures, would be the largest solar farm in the world.

Singapore based proponents Sun Cable have set a time frame to start construction is in 2023 with commercial operations starting off in 2027.

Sun Cable managing director David Griffin said the farm would use 5B manufactured Maverick solar power technology and produce approximately a third of Singapore’s electricity through solar power, sourced from the desert near Tennant Creek and transmitted via a 3,800 km High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cable.

He said Australia’s strong relationship with Singapore, its stable economy, political and legal framework, will ensure security of supply for Singapore.

The 5B Maverick solar power technology is successfully in use the cyclone prone Top End township of Borroloola.

“The Maverick technology combines modular design, prefabrication and rapid deployment,” Mr Griffin said

“We would look to manufacture those Mavericks in Darwin and Adelaide and transport them to site.

“That will involve a lot of factory jobs … about a 1000 jobs in each assembly facility.

Mr Griffin said the construction would take just under three years and the work force would peak at about 300 people on site.

Australian billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes. Picture: ABC.

“We are designing this project on the back of solar technology that exists now. We know it works from a technical and engineering perspective and our firm view is that this will work on a commercial basis. It will have a 10GW generation capacity

“We are working as fast as we can to put the myriad of project components together and get to the 2023 target date.”

Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner has voiced strong support for the proposed solar farm.

“There is no better place in the world to lead the renewable revolution than the Northern Territory,” Mr Gunner

“We have the guaranteed cloud free days, the land, and a Government with the vision, plan and will to make it happen.

“I met with Sun Cable this week to talk about the work we’ve been doing together and our next steps together.

“There are more bright days ahead of us than cloudy — literally, that’s why we are the natural place for leadership on solar.”