The Territory Labor Government has awarded a tender for a wind generation study, which will inform near–term deployment of wind collection technology to gather data to de-risk and fast track investment.
Global consulting company Jacobs will deliver the study from its office in Darwin, with a clear commitment to deliver local benefits and initiatives to support local employment and industry development.
The study will identify prospective locations for large-scale wind generation in the Territory and develop a wind measurement strategy. The final study is expected to be delivered later this year.
While the Territory’s solar resources are well recognised, the Territory could also have strong wind resource potential. Currently there is limited publicly available information to assist prospective proponents and investors to undertake more detailed assessments of the Territory for large-scale wind generation.
In Budget 2023, the Territory Government allocated $1.7 million to accelerate hydrogen industry development. A key priority is to better understand the Territory’s wind resource potential, and to compile and publish pre-competitive data relating to wind resources for renewable energy generation.
Large-scale renewable energy generation and storage is necessary to achieve the Northern Territory’s strategic objectives, including 50% renewable energy and a $40 billion economy by 2030, and net zero emissions by 2050.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Renewables and Energy Selena Uibo:
“The wind study will provide the information necessary to understand the potential to use wind as an alternative renewable energy resource in the Territory.
“This study could unlock new opportunities for renewable energy development in regional and remote areas of the Territory, creating new local jobs and boosting regional economic development.
“Diversification of the Territory’s renewable energy opportunities is critical to our pathway to a net zero emissions future.”
Quotes attributable to Michael Christie, Director of Operations Northern Australia at Jacobs:
“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.
“We bring strong experience working on wind farm projects not only in Australia, but also globally.”
“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. We look forward to working in partnership with the Territory Government to identify potential wind energy opportunities".
Source: NT Government Newsroom
