Rewiring the Nation program commits $250m to upgrading and expanding NT grid

The funding will go towards improving the NT’s energy network and renewables capability, with priorities set by the Territory government likely to focus on the Top End grid.

The federal government has committed $250m to improve the Territory grid and better deliver renewable energy as part of the Rewiring the Nation Program.

Through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, the investment targets upgrades and expansions of the NT power grid, supporting major transmission projects and bolstering grid strength based.

Priorities will be decided by the Territory government, which has flagged upgrades to the Darwin-Katherine grid as the top priority.

The first wave of works are planned to be completed by 2030.

Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen and NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler as the Albanese government commits $250m to improve the NT grid as part of the Rewiring the Nation program. Picture: Fia Walsh.

The NT and federal governments on Thursday also signed an agreement to deploy community-scale solar, rooftop solar and clean energy technologies.

This was expected to provide up to $500 in energy cost savings per year for consumers locked out of installing their own rooftop solar, such as hardship customers, renters and apartment dwellers.

“Rewiring the Nation is about delivering jobs while delivering cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy for homes and businesses,” Energy Minister Chris Bowen said.

“This agreement will put downward pressure on energy costs.”

Chief Minister Eva Lawler said the deal would ensure Territorians had reliable power supply.

“Battery technology will play a significant role in our target of reaching 50 per cent renewable energy consumption by 2030,” she said.

NT Energy Minister Kate Worden, federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen, and NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler as the Albanese government commits $250m to improve the NT grid as part of the Rewiring the Nation program. Picture: Fia Walsh.

The opposition accused Labor of “relying on a Canberra handout to cover up their failures” in ensuring a stable grid.

“The CLP has been very clear that we will reward Territorians who invest in our environment by doubling the feed in tariff in peak times and doubling the Battery Bonus Scheme to $12,000 to get as many Territorians as possible off the grid and say goodbye to power bills,” Shadow Energy Minister Josh Burgoyne said.

“This will not only help ease the cost of living but help the Territory transition to more renewable energy.”

The Environment Centre NT said it was “thrilled” at the announcement.

“We are delighted to see federal government investment in renewables, instead of climate-wrecking gas,” executive director Kirsty Howey said.

Tom Quinn, managing director of Springmount Advisory and author of the ECNT’s Recharging the Territory report said investing in renewable energy was “the most effective way to bring down energy costs for households and business and position the NT for strong future growth”.

“This decision is a step in the right direction towards capitalising on the NT’s exceptional renewable energy resources towards building a prosperous and competitive clean economy that delivers for all Territorians,” Mr Quinn said.

The federal government has now negotiated five agreements under the $20bn Rewiring the Nation program, with previous deals in New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

Originally published as Rewiring the Nation program commits $250m to upgrading and expanding NT grid