The Northern Territory Government has announced that the SunCable project has been granted environmental approval.
The SunCable project proposes the construction of a 12,000ha large-scale solar farm to deliver renewable energy to Darwin via a high-voltage cable, and to Singapore through a high-voltage undersea cable.
The solar farm will be constructed at Powell Creek Station near Elliot with 800km long high-voltage overhead powerlines from the solar farm to Gunn Point.
The project is expected to create 1750 jobs during construction, 350 ongoing jobs and have an operational life of 70 years.
A converter site will be constructed at Gunn Point where the solar power will be transported to, and then through the undersea cable to Singapore via Commonwealth and International waters.
The NT Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) considered potential significant impacts from the project through a rigorous environmental impact statement process and made recommendations to the Minister.
In accepting the NT EPA’s recommendations, the Minister has issued an environmental approval that includes conditions to ensure potential environmental impacts are managed to an acceptable level.
The proponent is also required to ensure impacts on the terrestrial and marine environments, including threatened species, are avoided and appropriately managed.
Northern Territory Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water Security, Kate Worden, said, “The SunCable project has been through a rigorous environmental approval process and will be a great asset to the Territory as we move towards a renewable energy future.
“This project will deliver thousands of jobs for Territorians and harness one of our greatest assets, the abundance of sunshine.
“The Northern Territory Government will continue to support and invest in projects that get Territorians working.”
SunCable Managing Director, Cameron Garnsworthy, said, “SunCable is delighted to receive environmental approval from the Northern Territory Government to proceed with our flagship Australia-Asia PowerLink project.
“This approval allows us to progress the development, commercial, and engineering activities required to advance the project to Final Investment Decision targeted in 2027.
“SunCable is founded with the belief that Australia can lead the world’s energy transition.
“AAPowerLink presents a unique opportunity for the Northern Territory to be at the forefront of this global shift through the development of its world-class renewable energy resources to supply customers in Darwin and Singapore with 24/7 green electricity.
“This will underpin a new wave of green industrial development in the Northern Territory, via prospective projects that include green minerals, hydrogen, e-fuels, and data centres.
“This future-facing project will invest deeply in local communities in the Northern Territory from Central Australia to the Top End, as we create many thousands of local jobs, skill up Australian workers, and offer a host of opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.”
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