The Northern Territory Government-owned energy corporation, Jacana Energy, is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the supply of up to 100 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy for the Darwin-Katherine region.
“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,” said Jacana Energy CEO, Louisa Kinnear.
“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 proposed investment will contribute as much as 15% towards the NT Government’s renewable energy target of 50% by 2030, enough renewable energy to power 21,000 Territory homes in one year.
“Our Territory Labor Government is dedicated to creating and sourcing new, permanent, and long term renewable energy,” said Acting Minister for Renewables, Eva Lawler.
“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.
“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.”
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, said Minister Lawler.
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,” said Ms Lawler.
“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, she said.
The EOI will open on Tuesday 22 August 2023 with submissions required by 26 September 2023.
For more information interested proponents can visit www.jacanaenergy.com.au.
