Public input is now being sought on the Darwin Renewable Energy Hub (REH), a major renewable energy project designed to deliver more affordable, secure, and clean power to the Darwin-Katherine electricity grid.
The project, expected to create around 500 jobs, will drive local economic growth during both its construction and operational phases, the government said in a media statement.
According to Minister for Renewables Gerard Maley, the REH underscores the government’s commitment to economic development through job creation and sustainable energy investments.
“A key priority of the CLP Government is economic development through jobs creation, and this project represents a considerable injection into the Territory economy,” Maley said.
“It is expected to generate over $400 million in local supply chain spending during construction and large-scale private investment in generation and energy storage.”
Beyond its economic contributions, the Darwin REH is anticipated to improve energy security, boost grid resilience, and help reduce electricity costs across the region.
The REH will feature up to six large-scale solar farms with a combined capacity of 180 to 210 megawatts, supplemented by a battery energy storage system.
Located on a 940-hectare Crown Land site near existing infrastructure on the west side of Finn Road, approximately 19km south of Palmerston, the development area is planned to cover 500 hectares.
Electricity generated from the hub will be directly integrated into the Darwin-Katherine grid, supplying clean energy to both residential and business consumers across the Northern Territory.
The current consultation phase invites feedback from local residents, businesses, and stakeholders to refine project plans.
A site selection process led to the choice of this location, identified for industrial use under the Darwin Regional Land Use Plan. The input gathered will influence the final project design and investment decisions.
Should the final investment decision proceed as planned, construction is projected to commence in 2025, with completion targeted for 2030.
Feedback can be submitted online at haveyoursay.nt.gov.au, with the public consultation closing at 5 pm on Friday, 28 February 2025.
