THE construction phase of the Northern Territory Solar Energy Transformation Program has now finished, replacing diesel and fossil fuel generators across 25 sites in regional parts of the territory. 

The rollout cost A$59 million and was co-funded by the Territory government and Australian Renewable Energy Agency.  

All 25 of the projects were engineered and constructed by Territory Power and Water Corporation.  

The project integrates 10MW solar generation facilities with existing diesel power stations without compromising power quality.  

The program included a unique project at Nauiyu (Daly River) that combined a 1MW solar array with a 2MWh battery, allowing for 100% of solar energy use during the day with diesel engines operating at night. 

The NT government said the primary goal of the program was to reduce diesel use by 15% in targeted communities, which adds up to 94 million litres of diesel savings over the 25-year life of the program.  

"This is a fantastic achievement for all involved in completing this ambitious project to deliver the largest rollout of renewable energy to remote, off grid communities in the Northern Territory," ARENA CEO Darren Miller said. 

"By installing solar power systems across these 25 communities, this project will help these communities to reduce their reliance on diesel. Now integrated, these communities can increase their uptake of renewables and have the option to add batteries to store their solar energy in the future." 

Source: Energy News Bulletin

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