SunCable’s large solar project has received environmental permission from the Northern Territory government. SunCable plans to develop “the world’s largest renewable energy precinct” in the Northern Territory. SunCable still needs to finance the project, and a final decision is not expected until 2027.
SunCable’s initiative to build “the world’s largest renewable energy precinct” in the remote Northern Territory has won critical environmental approvals, but a final investment decision on the $30 billion+ project is not expected until 2027. The business intends to construct a 10 gigawatt solar farm on 12,400 hectares near Elliott. Electricity will be transported to Darwin via an 800-kilometer overhead transmission line and subsequently to Singapore via a subsea cable.
The NT government approved the proposal on Tuesday, based on recommendations from the NT Environment Protection Authority (NTEPA). “The principal environmental approval is a huge milestone for the project,” SunCable NT regional director Jett Street said.
“It enables the project to progress with the different development activities that will take it to a final investment decision in 2027.” NT Environment Minister Kate Worden stated that the project has “gone through a rigorous environmental approval process.”
According to Ms Worden, the SunCable project will benefit the Territory’s transition to renewable energy. “This project will deliver thousands of jobs for Territorians and harness one of our greatest assets — the abundance of sunshine.”
The project is planned to create 1,750 jobs during construction and 350 jobs over its 70-year operational life, with SunCable stating that it will generate $20 billion in economic value for the NT. SunCable was acquired by billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes in May 2023, following a dispute with erstwhile project partner Andrew Forrest.
Read More: Click Here
