The government has announced electricity market reforms to deliver lower cost and reliable power, and meet the government’s target of its 50 percent renewables by 2030.
These reforms include a competitive wholesale electricity market consistent with recommendations made by the independent panel in the Roadmap to Renewables report.
Over the next 12 months, a Northern Territory Electricity Market (NTEM), tailored to the Territory’s circumstances, will be developed.
This will ensure the growing interest in renewable energy can be facilitated in the Darwin-Katherine power network in a way which will deliver lower cost generation and reliable power to Territorians.
The NTEM is expected to be up and running within 12 months, and government will work closely with stakeholders on design and implementation.
Government will also begin consultation shortly on a review of supply and feed-in tariffs to encourage behind the meter energy storage for those with rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) and stimulate greater take-up of energy efficient technologies.
This was also one of the recommendations made by the renewables panel to increase system reliability and enable Territorians to reduce their electricity costs during the most expensive times of the day.
The reforms aim to encourage cheaper renewables into the system, putting downward pressure on power prices.
In a major step towards reaching the 50 percent renewables target, the government has approved a 25 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic electricity plant to be developed near Katherine.
The power purchase agreement (PPA) between Jacana Energy and Katherine Solar Pty Ltd will enable the construction of the $40 million project, create over 100 jobs during construction and be the largest renewable energy generator in the Northern Territory.
This is the first of a number of large-scale solar projects proposed by investors.
More information can be found at: https://roadmaptorenewables.nt.gov.au/
Quotes from the Chief Minister:
“Creating local jobs is my number one priority.”
“Our election commitment of 50% renewables by 2030 is already paying dividends by creating local jobs in the growing renewable energy sector.
“We have kept our promise to stabilise power prices after massive hikes under the CLP.
“The fact we have also kept public assets in public ownership means we are perfectly place to transition to more renewable energy while maintaining system reliability.
Quotes from the Minister for Renewables and Essential Services:
“This agreement between Katherine Solar and Jacana will increase renewable energy use in the Territory by between 3 and 4%.
“It’s a huge step towards our renewable energy target and will put downward pressure on electricity prices.
“There are lessons learned from the National Energy Market which we have incorporated into the design of this policy.
“This is a common-sense and best practice approach tailored for the Territory’s unique circumstances.”
Quotes from Martin Poole, Epuron Executive Director:
“Epuron is pleased to be entering into an agreement to sell solar electricity to Jacana. We look forward to the Katherine solar project moving into construction in the coming months."
“The NT has great potential for solar energy, and it is exciting to see the Territory Government’s initiatives to enable investors to compete to generate the lowest cost solar power for the grid."
“Epuron owns and operates solar power stations in the NT at Alice Springs, Yulara, Kalkarindji, Ti Tree and Lake Nash / Alpurrurulam and we are pleased to be here at the announcement of our first project in the Darwin - Katherine electricity system.”
Media Contact: Cameron Angus – 0404 021 192
Implementation Plan (pdf 4 mb)
