Office of the Chief Mnister Media Release

The Northern Territory is set to be powered by 10 per cent renewable energy before the end of the year, thanks to a new, $43 million solar project announced by the Territory Labor Government today.

Australian renewables developer Tetris Energy will soon advance to construction on two 10MW solar farms at Batchelor and Manton Dam, which will generate enough energy to power 5000 homes when completed in the second half of 2019.

The project, in combination with the previously announced 25MW Katherine Solar Farm, will catapult the share of renewable energy use in the NT’s major centres from the current 3 per cent to 10 per cent.

The Territory Labor Government has set a target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

Up to 70 local jobs will be supported during the construction phase of the project, scheduled to last from March until September.

Jacana Energy and NT Solar Investments have entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the electricity and renewable energy certificates generated by the two farms.

Quotes attributable to Chief Minister, Michael Gunner.

“The Territory Labor Government’s number one priority is jobs for Territorians.

“We are delivering our election promise of 50 per cent renewables by 2030 and that will create local jobs, and cheaper, cleaner, more reliable power, which benefits all Territorians.” 

 “We have kept our promise to stabilise power prices after massive hikes under the CLP and by delivering cheaper and cleaner electricity, we will put downward pressure on electricity costs.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Renewables and Essential Services, Dale Wakefield.

“This private sector investment by Tetris Energy will take us to 10 per cent renewable energy by the end of the year, which is a huge step towards our renewable energy target of 50 per cent renewables by 2030.

“The Territory Labor Government knows the NT can be the solar capital of Australia. That’s why we have invested in a $59 million joint investment with ARENA for the Solar SETuP program providing 10MW of solar across 25 remote communities, $5 million into our Rooftop Solar in Schools program, $8.3 million in the 5MW Alice Springs Battery Energy Storage System and $4.5 million in our smart energy grants scheme.

“With the Katherine Solar Farm and these projects announced today, that’s over $150M in renewables investment by the Territory Labor Government.”

Quotes from Frank Boland, Director, Tetris Energy

“Tetris Energy welcomes the opportunity to enter into the Power Purchase Agreement to sell electricity to Jacana Energy from the Manton Dam and Batchelor Solar Farms. This will be an important enabler in moving towards construction at the end of the wet season.

“Jacana Energy customers located all over the Darwin-Katherine network will receive the benefits of clean renewable electricity. By using the latest in single axis tracking Solar PV technology, it will allow the plants to generate more power in the mornings and evenings.

“The Northern Territory has enormous opportunity for renewable energy and Tetris Energy is excited to be a part of the Territory Government’s initiatives to enable this private sector investment in new renewable energy projects. We expect there to be an opportunity of around 70 local jobs during the construction of these two projects and ongoing local roles for service and maintenance.

“Tetris Energy has collaborated with Infigen Energy to advance the development of the Manton Dam and Batchelor Solar Projects.”

Media Contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192