The Northern Territory (NT) Government has granted a tender for a wind generation study that will steer the implementation of wind collection technologies in the near future and gather data to reduce risk and accelerate investment.
Global consulting company Jacobs, which is firmly committed to providing local benefits and taking steps to support local employment and industry growth, will undertake the research from its Darwin office.
In a media release, the government said the study will locate potential sites for large-scale wind generation in the Territory and develop a wind measurement plan.
“With a 40-year history in the Northern Territory, Jacobs is excited to be part of this project and to support the Territory Government’s renewable energy development,” Jacobs Director of Operations Northern Australia Michael Christie said.
Christie added, “Climate change is a key element of Jacobs’ strategic focus, and we are working with a variety of government and private clients to support decarbonisation and renewable energy sources for the long term.”
The Jacobs director said he looks forward to teaming up with the Territory Government to find new wind energy prospects.
The Territory may have large wind resource potential, even if the state’s solar resources are well known, according to the government.
Moreover, to assist potential proponents and investors in doing more thorough evaluations of the Territory for large-scale wind power, there is currently a demand for more publicly accessible information.
“The wind study will provide the information necessary to understand the potential to use wind as an alternative renewable energy source in the Territory,” Minister for Renewables and Energy Selena Uibo said.
According to Minister Uibo, the research may uncover new opportunities for the production of renewable energy in the Territory’s rural and outlying regions, creating new jobs for residents and fostering regional economic development.
“Diversification of the Territory’s renewable energy opportunities is critical to our pathway to a net zero emissions future,” the minister noted.
In the 2023 budget, the Territory Government included $1.7 million to hasten the growth of the hydrogen industry.
The top aim is to gather and publish pre-competitive data on wind resources for the development of renewable energy while also better understanding the Territory’s wind resource potential.
