CLP government abandons 50 per cent renewables by 2030 target
The Finocchiaro government will abandon the Northern Territory’s target of 50 per cent renewables by 2030, arguing it is too ambitious and costly.
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The Northern Territory government will abandon a target to reach 50 per cent renewable energy generation by 2030.
The Country Liberals said the target was unachievable, and attempting to reach it would put crippling pressure on the ageing grid and cost each Territory household $56,000.
The government will instead focus on a mix of gas and renewables, which it says would keep down power prices and mean fewer blackouts.
The renewable energy target was established by the Gunner Labor government in 2016 and was supported by the CLP while in opposition.
Last year renewables accounted for less than 20 per cent of the Territory’s energy generation.
Energy and Renewables Minister Gerard Maley said the government was taking a responsible and pragmatic long-term approach to energy reform, guided by three key strategic priorities: affordability, security and reliability.
“If we don’t make these changes, Territorians would be paying the highest power prices in the country,” Mr Maley said.
“We are taking decisive action to secure the Territory’s energy future by developing vital reforms to improve grid reliability, lower costs, and ensure a stable and well-managed energy transition.”
Mr Maley said that it would cost up to an estimated $5bn to reach the target.
“Our focus is on delivering an affordable, reliable, and secure energy system that meets the needs of families, businesses, and industry — now and into the future,” he said.
“That means balancing renewables with gas to optimise grid stability, drive down costs, and ensure supply security.
“If we continue with Labor’s reckless pursuit of a 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030 without the necessary investment and planning, it won’t just be an ideological issue — it will require substantial infrastructure upgrades that will lead to higher electricity costs, an increased risk of blackouts, and greater instability across the electricity network.
“We are taking responsible action to stabilise the grid while ensuring renewables can expand in a way that benefits Territorians.”
For years the NT’s energy regulator has warned that keeping the lights on in the Top End would require significant investment in the grid, with 12 power station units around the Territory expected to retire before 2030.
In its annual report the NT Utilities Commission forecast shortfalls in generation capacity and essential system services as early as 2026-27 in Alice Springs and 2027-28 in the Darwin-Katherine region, leading to an increased risk of power outages.
The government recently announced it planned to extend the life of Channel Island power station into the next decade.
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Originally published as CLP government abandons 50 per cent renewables by 2030 target
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