The Northern Territory Government is supporting job creating private sector investment in the Territory, awarding Major Project Status to Sun Cable's Australia-Singapore Power Link (ASPL).

The proposed Australia-Singapore Power Link is a $20 billion, 10 gigawatt solar farm and a 20-30 gigawatt hour storage facility near Tennant Creek.

It will supply loads in the Darwin and Singapore markets via a high voltage direct current transmission.

This is the largest solar farm under development in the world.

The Tennant Creek region has one of the highest solar irradiance resources on the planet, making it a perfect location for the proposed solar farm.

The project will seek to supply long term, competitive, stably priced renewable electricity to the Darwin and Singapore markets.

Integrating the ASPL into the developing ASEAN power grid will also be assessed in the detail during the development phase.

Attracting and securing private investment in the Territory is critical to economic growth and job creation.

This project has the potential to create 1000 jobs during the construction phase and 300 operational jobs.

The project is already engaging local contractors and will seek to manufacture prefabricated solar farm technology in Darwin and Adelaide.

A Project Development Agreement (PDA) will now be negotiated between the NT Government and Sun Cable Pty Ltd.

The PDA will provide the framework for Sun Cable and the Northern Territory Government to work together in progressing the ASPL through the required approvals processes.  Sun Cable will be required to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and a Territory Benefit Plan.

Major Projects are significant contributors to the economic development of the NT. The NT Government awards major project status to private sector initiated projects that are significant to help facilitate their development and delivery.

 Quotes attributable to the Chief Minister:

“The Northern Territory has an incredible opportunity to lead the world as a renewable energy hub – and seizing this opportunity will deliver thousands of local jobs.

We have the guaranteed cloud free days, the land and a Government with the vision, plan and will to make it happen.

Major Project Status for Sun Cable is an important step towards making this this vision a reality.

The Sun Cable project is a gamechanger for the Territory and will further our reputation around the world as a place to do business and invest.

Not only does it announce the Territory as a major world player for renewable energy exports, but also a future where clean, cheap, reliable energy creates local jobs in industries right across the Territory.

We look forward to continuing to work with Sun Cable to make this project a reality.”

Quotes attributable to Sun Cable:

“Sun Cable is excited to enter the next phase of the development process for the Australia-Singapore Power Link.

The Northern Territory is proving to be a great jurisdiction to work in. We look forward to advancing the project with the Northern Territory Government’s support.”

Media contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192.