The Lawler Labor Government is continuing to invest in battery storage to ensure more Territorians can get the benefits from renewable energy.

The Territory Government’s Power and Water Corporation has secured conditional support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency for 16 community batteries, which will be located in various locations on the Darwin-Katherine electricity grid.

Once online, the batteries are expected to have a significant impact on local network constraints and will expand rooftop solar capacity, reduce emissions and keep power prices as affordable as possible.

The $6.1 million Wurrumiyanga Solar Farm project is also a step closer to having battery storage. Testing of the battery which was undertaken at Berrimah is now complete.

This project will provide an additional 1.1 megawatt solar array, together with a 1.75 MVA battery energy storage system.

The project is estimated to reduce diesel fuel consumption by 519,000 litres in the first year of operation by introducing additional renewable energy technology.

The battery has been prepared for transport to Wurrumiyanga, where work will begin to connect the battery to the solar farm in the coming months.

The testing for the battery included simulating the complete loss of the solar array to ensure the battery can cover the loss of the renewable supply.

Work on the Remote Power System Strategy, which will deliver an average of 70 per cent renewable energy to 72 remote communities provided with electricity through the Indigenous Essential Services program is continuing.

In Budget 2024, the Lawler Labor Government invested $3.1 million for preparatory works for the rollout of more solar and batteries in remote communities, including detailed technical analysis. The RPSS will reduce the reliance of diesel generators in regional and remote communities

Consultation has begun with Indigenous Essential Services community representative bodies including the Northern, Central, Tiwi and Anindilyakwa Land Councils along with 10 regional councils.

The feedback received during the consultation process will be incorporated into a detailed business case in the coming months.

Source: Northern Territory Newsroom