Jacana Energy, Northern Territory’s largest electricity retailer, is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the supply of up to 100 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy for the Darwin-Katherine region.
The projected investment might deliver up to 15 per cent of the Territory Labor Government’s renewable energy objective of 50 per cent by 2030, which is enough renewable energy to power 21,000 Territory households for a year, as revealed in a media release.
A notable distinction with this EOI is that proponents are encouraged to explore connecting at specified sites within the greater Darwin region that correspond to the location of the NT’s Renewable Energy Hub.
According to the government, the EOI is the initial stage in a multi-phase process to buy, connect, and commission more large-scale renewable energy sources closer to Darwin.
Acting Minister for Renewables Eva Lawler stated that the Territory Labor Government is committed to developing and sourcing new, permanent, and long-term renewable energy.
“We have always said sustainability is at the core of what we do, and this EOI for 100MW more of renewable energy will take the Territory to the next level,” Lawler said.
She added, “Jumpstarting the procurement process now ensures that we will be able to make an investment that supports the delivery of renewable energy well before 2030”.
Meanwhile, Jacana Energy CEO Louisa Kinnear said the EOI is created to acquire renewable energy in a way that is consistent with the Darwin-Katherine Electricity System Plan, which emphasises the inclusion of more large-scale solar energy.
“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,” the CEO noted.
The government said continuous investment in renewable energy infrastructure is critical, and initiatives such as this EOI and the Renewable Energy Hub aim to expand the amount of renewable energy available to Territorians.
Furthermore, a project of this magnitude is projected to bring more than $200 million in fresh investment to the Territory, while also providing an additional 150 employment during construction.
When the procurement process is completed, Territorians may anticipate renewable energy from these solar farms to begin around 2027.
The EOI will be open on Tuesday, 22 August 2023, with entries due by 26 September 2023.
