Solar power northern territory to home worlds largest solar farm 20210128 p5y32a.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
Advertisement
Advertisement
This was published 5 years ago

NT to build world's largest solar farm

9News Staff

Powered by

The Northern Territory will be home to the world's largest solar farm after an $8 billion agreement.

The deal with Sun Cable will see a 12,000-hectare solar farm built near Elliott, a small town on the Stuart Highway north of Alice Springs.

Once operational, power from the site will be available constantly, with the solar farm supporting the 30-gigawatt storage facility.

Advertisement

A massive solar energy project is going ahead in the Northern Territory. Daniel Munoz

READ MORE: Homes of the future being built in Queensland suburbs

The project will create 1500 jobs during construction and 350 ongoing positions once operations begin, the NT Government claimed.

However, it's going to be a while before any power is produced, with construction for the project set to begin immediately after financial close in October 2023.

The NT Government claimed that by 2027, the Australia-ASEAN Power Link (AAPL) would have the capacity to provide a significant amount of renewable energy for the Territory, as well as up to 20 per cent of Singapore's electricity supply.

Solar panels on top of house (Getty)

Up to $1 billion of solar electricity could be provided. Getty

READ MORE: China switches on nuclear-powered 'artificial sun'

Once up and running, it's estimated the project will export $1 billion worth of solar electricity each year.

Advertisement

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the solar farm would put the NT on the "international map" for renewable energy.

"Territorians are already seeing the benefits of this investment, with Sun Cable hiring more than a dozen Darwin firms for initial works," he said.

"This project will transform the Territory into a renewable energy powerhouse, and cement our position as Australia's comeback capital."

email icon

Contact us

Share a tip-off, video or photo with us

Most viewed in Australia

More to explore