The Northern Territory’s largest energy retailer, Jacana Energy, is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the supply of up to 100MW of renewable energy for the Darwin-Katherine region.
The proposed investment will contribute as much as 15% towards the Northern Territory Government’s renewable energy target of 50% by 2030, enough renewable energy to power 21,000 homes in one year.
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A key point of difference with this EOI is that proponents are being asked to consider connecting at specific locations within the greater Darwin area that are consistent with the location of the NT Government’s Renewable Energy Hub.
The EOI is the first step in a comprehensive process to procure and safely connect and commission more large-scale renewable energy closer to Darwin.
Ongoing investment in renewable energy infrastructure is vital and projects like this EOI and the Renewable Energy Hub aim to increase the amount of renewable energy supplied to Territorians.
A project of this scale is likely to attract more than $200 million in additional investment to the Territory, whilst creating a further 150 jobs during the height of construction.
Once the procurement process is complete, Territorians could expect renewable energy from these solar farms to be generated from around 2027.
Jacana Energy CEO Louisa Kinnear said, “Our customers want clean, affordable energy. Kicking off a procurement process now ensures that we will be able to make an investment decision that supports the delivery of renewable energy well before 2030.
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“The addition of more large-scale solar is a major part of the Darwin-Katherine Electricity System Plan and our EOI is designed to procure renewable energy in way that aligns with this Plan.”
The EOI will open on August 22, 2023, with submissions required by September 26, 2023.
More information is available here.
