Larrakia-owned solar farm for Middle Arm’s LNG plant forges ahead

Set to be Australia’s largest Aboriginal-owned solar farm, a major project – that will send all its renewable power to Middle Arm – has taken a step forward. Here’s how many jobs it will create.

A project that is poised to be Australia’s largest Aboriginal-owned solar farm – and another component of the multibillion-dollar Middle Arm precinct – has taken a step forward.

The NT government this week signed a memorandum of understanding with Larrakia Energy and South Korean power company Korea Midland Power Co. to co-operate in the build of a $200m solar farm.

The announcement comes a day after Chief Minister Natasha Fyles in Canberra took aim at interstate opponents to Middle Arm, which is set to include a gas-powered Inpex hydrogen hub and a Tamboran Resources gas export facility among other green projects.

The two-year agreement is expected to push the 330MW Green Energy Project forward, which is expected to create 200 construction jobs and 16 in the full-time operational phase.

The MoU is not a funding partnership, but an agreement to support the proponents in finding suitable land and securing supply chain partners.

The 300MW solar farm is expected to started sending power to Middle Arm’s LNG plant in 2024.

To be built on Bladin Point, near the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct, the facility will also become the Territory’s largest solar farm once constructed.

Construction is expected to start this year, with power to flow directly to the Inpex operations at Middle Arm in 2024.

Larrakia Energy is a Territory company that Larrakia Development Corporation owns and manages, in partnership with West Australian-based renewables company Progressive Green Solutions.

While the solar farm will not power households, Larrakia Development Corporation chief executive Nigel Browne said the MoU was an “important step” in achieving the government’s goal of a renewables future.

“Through dedicated work being undertaken by Larrakia Energy, we are bringing together the resources and goodwill needed to lower emissions and care for Country, on Larrakia Country,” he said.

The Territory government agreement comes more than eight months after Larrakia Energy signed a MoU with Korea Midland Power Co. to advance the project to a design and costing stage.

This week the Territory Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Larrakia Energy and Korea Midland Power Co. to build the Green Energy Project, a 300MW solar farm near Middle Arm. Picture: Supplied

At the time LDC chairman Mark Motlop said the project forged a new era in the Aboriginal corporation’s long-term partnership with Inpex and Darwin LNG.

“By delivering affordable renewable energy and supporting Inpex and Darwin LNG’s goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, we will play our part in helping to care for Country,” Mr Motlop said in November.

Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler said the project would help the government achieve its ambitious $40bn economy by 2030 goal.

“Our focus on clean energy will drive us long into the future as we become leaders in the green energy sector,” she said.

“By capitalising on every opportunity and creating strong relationships the Northern Territory has what it takes to be a thriving economy and reach our goal of a $40 billion economy by 2030.”