Industry News

The Northern Territory has the highest take up of solar battery storage in the country thanks to the Territory Labor Government’s Home and Businesses and Battery Scheme (HBBS), which makes the purchase and installation of batteries more affordable.

The HBBS has reached a major milestone with more than 2000 Territory homes and businesses with a rooftop solar system now having battery storage installed under the scheme. Over the past three years, the Territory has led the nation with more than 30% of rooftop solar systems installed including a battery. This is five times the national average.

Assisting Territorians with cost of living measures, the HBBS provides eligible home owners and businesses up to $5000 for the purchase and installation of a solar and battery system, or a battery if a solar system is already installed.

Since its launch in 2020, the HBBS has provided more the $12 million in funding for the purchase and installation of batteries to complement rooftop solar systems, and has directly contributed over $45 million of works to the Territory economy.

The number of applications received has grown each year with 970 applications submitted in 2022-23.

In 2023-24, the program has $3 million dedicated towards it to help more Territorians install a solar and battery system.

The installation of a battery system reduces electricity bills for households and businesses, and improves the reliability and security of the electricity system by smoothing out demand from the grid.

The success of the HBBS has also had a positive effect on the Territory’s renewable energy industry, providing valuable experience for installers and building understanding of local markets, supply chains and technical requirements.

Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:

“The Territory Labor Government will always invest in programs that help the hip pocket of Territorians. We also want Territorians to have access to the latest and best technology as we build a stronger and more resilient power system for Territory households and businesses.

“More than 2000 Territory homeowners and businesses have taken part in the Home and Business Battery scheme, assisting Territorians with their cost of living while we also work towards our renewables target.

“This program has also created much needed economic stimulus, contributing over $45 million to the Territory economy.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Renewables and Energy Kate Worden:

“The Northern Territory climate is conducive to producing reliable solar energy, and this scheme helps for this natural asset to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and eases cost of living pressures.

“The Territory Labor Government is focussed on delivering programs that provide affordable, clean and reliable power.

“This scheme is one way we are building towards meeting our target of 50% renewable energy by 2030.”

Source: NT Government newsroom

Joint media release: A further $41 million for small and medium businesses to lower energy bills

The Albanese Government is delivering a further $41 million in Energy Efficiency Grants (EEG) for Small and Medium Enterprises to improve energy efficiency, save on energy bills and lower emissions.

This takes our investment to support small businesses through these grants to $62 million.

The grants between $10,000 and $25,000 can be used to upgrade to more efficient equipment. This includes replacing air conditioners with high efficiency units or gas heating boilers with heat pumps, helping SMEs lower power bills and emissions.

These grants are part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to ease pressures on Australian businesses by putting downward pressure on energy bills.

The first round of grants awarded $15.5 million to 674 businesses for energy savings from upgrades to pool covers, heat pumps, air conditioners, as well as more efficient hot water pumps and compressed air improvements.

Minister for Small Business the Hon Julie Collins said, “The Albanese Labor Government is delivering for small business, helping to improve their long-term resilience.

“These grants are another example of our government providing targeted support to small businesses.

“I encourage small businesses to read the Grant Opportunity Guidelines to check if they are eligible for this new support.

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister said the grants would improve the bottom line of small businesses and lower emissions.

“Investing in energy efficiency can save on energy costs, taking the pressure off small businesses and allowing them to reinvest savings to their business.

“We want to help small businesses make every watt count. That’s why the Albanese Government is investing in energy performance projects.

“Upgrades to appliances like freezers or air conditioners not only saves on bills, but also contributes to Australia’s emissions reduction targets.”

Round two is a $41.2 million investment from the $62 million program that will help businesses use less energy and improve competitiveness, while reducing their carbon footprint.

The $41.2 million will be allocated to states and territories in proportion to the national distribution of SMEs.

Grants will be awarded on a first come, first-served basis until each jurisdiction’s allocation is exhausted.

Applications for the grants will open across the country on the following dates:

• Thursday 22 February 2024: VIC
• Friday 23 February 2024: SA & NT
• Monday 26 February 2024: NSW
• Tuesday 27 February 2024: WA, TAS & ACT
• Wednesday 28 February 2024: QLD

For more information about the Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs program and how to apply, visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/energy-efficiency-grants-for-small-and-medium-enterprises-round-2.

Announced from:

The Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Small Business

The Hon Senator Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy 

Source: https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/

Pacific Energy, a sustainable distributed energy solutions provider, announced it had delivered the Northern Territory’s first hydrogen (H2) SPS (stand-alone power system).

According to Pacific Energy, this system marks a collaborative effort with Charles Darwin University (CDU) and a significant stride in exploring hydrogen as a clean energy source for the region’s grids.

Designed as an adaptation of Pacific Energy solar stand-alone power system, the H2 SPS comprises four Enapter electrolysers, a PowerCell 5kW fuel cell, battery, and inverters.

The system was specifically created for CDU’s Renewable Energy Microgrid Hub for Applied Research and Training (REMHART) to investigate the feasibility of integrating hydrogen into the Northern Territory’s energy landscape.

During testing, the system has already produced hydrogen and demonstrated a 5kW electrical output, with a potential to supply 8.6kW of three-phase power using its inverters and battery.

Jamie Cullen, Pacific Energy’s CEO expressed satisfaction in delivering the first H2 SPS to CDU.

“We’re incredibly proud to deliver our first H2 SPS to Charles Darwin University, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it supports the university in its important hydrogen studies,” Cullen said.

CDU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Professor Suresh Thennadil, highlighted the significance of this equipment upgrade in enabling exploration into hydrogen.

“The installation of a containerised hydrogen electrolyser and fuel cell system will enable us to better understand the challenges and intricacies associated with incorporating hydrogen as an additional energy source, as well as the durability of electrolysers and other components under local climatic conditions,” Thennadil said.

“This upgrade provides a unique and flexible platform to study renewable energy systems, particularly small regional and remote grids, which are common throughout the NT.”

Source: ecogeneration.

Read related article from Charles Darwin University

Baker Hughes and McDermott have successfully and safely completed the subsea infrastructure in Northern Australia.

This prowess is a true milestone for the energy technology specialist and the premier engineering and construction company.

“The McDermott and Baker Hughes partnership has been marked by resilience and adaptability, guided by our firm commitment to deliver for the INPEX-operated Ichthys LNG and Australia,” McDermott senior vice president subsea and floating facilities Mahesh Swaminathan said.

“Together, leveraging McDermott’s unique end-to-end engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) capabilities and Baker Hughes’ subsea development solutions, we navigated project complexities and overcame the unique challenges posed by the pandemic.”

Awarded to the Baker Hughes and McDermott consortium in 2019 by INPEX Operations Australia, the subsea infrastructure development project included EPCI of umbilicals, risers and flowlines (URF).

It also included a subsea production system comprised of a new 7-inch vertical Christmas tree system, all forming a subsea well gathering system tied back to the existing Ichthys Explorer central processing facility.

The consortium’s scope of work also included an in-fill URF EPCI involving the development of new subsea wells tied in to the existing gathering systems.

“Our hard work paid off, and I would like to thank our teams in Perth, Batam, and beyond, whose collective efforts enabled the safe completion of this important work scope,” Swaminathan said.

Baker Hughes senior vice president subsea projects and services Romain Chambault couldn’t agree more and shared his counterpart’s enthusiasm.

“This milestone has been achieved through the successful partnership between Baker Hughes and McDermott to execute for INPEX,” he said.

Chambault added that the amount of collaboration shown between the consortium had been truly unique and serves as an industry benchmark for the successful execution of large, complex EPCI subsea projects.

“Manufacturing the highly complex 7-inch vertical Christmas tree system from our dedicated facility in Batam has expanded the global capability for Baker Hughes in the Asia Pacific region, where we are well-positioned to support customers with a strong regional capability, complemented by a strong McDermott presence in Batam and the region as a whole.”

Source: Energy Today 

Santos today opened its first Darwin shopfront in the central business district, offering the public a place to learn more about the company, our activities in the Territory and the benefits our projects bring for Territorians.

Our local community team will be on hand at the shopfront to answer any questions.

Santos CEO and Managing Director Kevin Gallagher said the shopfront gives Santos a prominent presence in Darwin’s CBD, reflecting our commitment to ongoing investment in the NT.

“We want to be a good corporate citizen and contribute positively to communities everywhere we operate. Our community team in Darwin is eager to welcome Territorians and visitors to the Territory,” Mr Gallagher said.

“It’s a place where people can learn more about us – what we do, job and business opportunities, how we protect the environment, our community programs and why gas is so important to maintain energy affordability and reliability as we transition to a lower-carbon future. We also want to listen and learn from the community – what we can do better or areas where we can play a role in supporting community endeavours.

“Santos is entering an exciting chapter in the Northern Territory as we build and bring into operation the Barossa Gas Project and Darwin LNG Life Extension. Darwin will also be an important hub for our proposed Bayu-Undan carbon capture and storage project. The Territory could be front and centre of an exciting new industry helping to decarbonise both the Australian and Asian economies.

“These projects, along with Santos’ unwavering commitment to the NT, will continue to provide significant economic and social benefits to the local community.”

The contemporary space includes a separate meeting room for local stakeholders and partners where community presentations, meetings and information sessions can be hosted.

NT Property Council CEO Ruth Palmer said the new shopfront is a welcome addition to Smith Street Mall, helping to create a more vibrant CBD for locals and visitors.

“It is encouraging to see business breathing life back into the Darwin CBD. We have long argued that the decentralisation of departments and businesses out of the city has a negative impact on the retailers and hospitality outlets, especially during the wet season,” Ms Palmer said.

“According to our most recent report on the office market, vacancy rates are once again on the rise and the available supply is at alarmingly high levels. We have an excessive supply and minimal demand.

“We must make sure that the CBD continues to serve as the hub of the Top End and that we encourage businesses to open up in the mall, as this not only fills vacant spaces but also helps the town’s long-standing businesses.

“Hopefully, more corporations like Santos will move into available space and revitalise older stock during 2024.”

The Santos-operated DLNG employs about 180 local Territorians and spends about $100 million on local goods and service opportunities each year. Over the next 18 months, a A$925 million life extension program will be carried out, generating 300 construction and maintenance jobs.

When the Barossa project starts, another 300 new, permanent operations jobs will be created for the next 20 years or more.

The Santos Darwin Shopfront is at 41 The Mall and will be open Monday to Thursday between 9am – 4pm.

Source: Santos

To view the full media release, click here

Kevin Gallagher, CEO of Santos, addressed the Energy Club NT at an industry networking luncheon, highlighting Santos and the Darwin LNG joint venture's commitment to investing $3 million in funding KAEFER’s program, an initiative that aims to provide traineeships and apprenticeships in trades, administration, and HSE over the next four years, contributing to the Northern Territory's economic and social development.

Gallagher emphasised Santos's dedication to addressing Aboriginal disadvantage in the Northern Territory by focusing on training, education, and job creation. He highlighted the importance of real action to empower individuals, strengthen families, and build resilient communities.

Under Gallagher's leadership, Santos has increased its investment in the Territory, focusing on projects like the DLNG life extension, gas delivery from the Barossa field, and plans to transform Bayu-Undan into a carbon capture and storage hub. The Bayu-Undan CCS project is positioned to make Barossa one of the world's lowest carbon LNG projects.

Gallagher acknowledged the economic significance of Santos's Barossa and Darwin LNG projects to the Northern Territory, generating substantial local workforce employment and supply opportunities. He highlighted the positive impact of the DLNG life extension, creating jobs and boosting local businesses.

Addressing the global role of the Territory, Gallagher stressed the importance of Australia's active participation in the Asian region, particularly in supplying gas to meet growing demand. He emphasized the need for Australia to maintain its position as a leading and trusted gas supplier, considering the potential consequences of not doing so.

Additionally, Gallagher addressed the challenges of the global energy transformation and the race to net zero. He highlighted the importance of carbon capture and storage technology and the role it plays in achieving emissions reduction goals.

Gallagher also announced the establishment of the Barossa Aboriginal Future Fund, a $10 million investment in Northern Territory coastal Aboriginal communities. This fund, combined with ongoing support, is expected to contribute over $100 million to these communities over the next two decades, creating a lasting impact on health, education, housing, community resilience, and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Santos's new shopfront in the Smith St Mall will be open to the public on Monday, 5th February, providing a platform for the community to learn more about Santos's activities, job opportunities, and to share feedback.

The industry networking luncheon was sponsored by KAEFER.

To view Mr. Kevin Gallagher's speech, click here.

To view photos from the event, click here.

The Northern Territory government has launched community consultations on its Remote Power System Strategy (RPSS), in a bid to power remote indigenous communities with an average of 70 per cent renewables, by 2030.

The program targets the territory’s 72 communities serviced by Indigenous Essential Services (IES), with initial consultations expected to involve Land Councils, Regional Government Councils, Local Aboriginal Corporations, and other relevant stakeholders. 

The Territory government said on Friday that the consultation process would also include engaging with stakeholders to understand their aspirations and the required support to implement the renewable energy strategy.

The idea, the government says, is to establish the optimal renewable development pathway, considering existing energy assets, community aspirations, electricity demand profiles and forecast growth for each community.

“The Northern Territory is in the process of transitioning to a future where renewable energy will play a greater role in our energy consumption,” said NT minister for renewable energy Kate Worden.

“We are working towards our target of net zero emissions by 2050 and this strategy will play a significant role in achieving this.

“The strategy will also provide opportunities for local communities including training and employment.,” Worden said.

The strategy builds on the success of the Solar Energy Transformation Program (SETuP) – a $60 million program co-funded by the Territory government and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) which delivered 10 megawatts of solar generation to remote communities in the Territory between 2017 and 2019.

Source: Renew Economy

Santos and its joint venture partners in the Barossa Gas Project today announced they will invest up to A$10 million in Northern Territory coastal Aboriginal communities and homelands as the development phase of the project progresses.

Investments will be aimed at improving community and homeland infrastructure and services as well as programs that enable Aboriginal people to maintain cultural practices and carry out cultural obligations, care for their country and establish pathways to skilled, well-paying, secure jobs and business opportunities.

In addition, the Barossa Gas Project joint venture partners announced they are supportive of establishing a fund from commencement of production (targeted for 2025), for the life of the project, to share the benefits of the project with Northern Territory coastal Aboriginal communities and homelands. The fund would aim to deliver intergenerational progress for Aboriginal Territorians and build a better future for the next generation.

The fund would invest over the long term in community and homeland infrastructure, cultural activities and services that improve health, education, housing, community resilience and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory. It would also invest in programs that enable Aboriginal people to maintain cultural practices and carry out cultural obligations, care for their country and build capacity to establish new pathways to skilled, well-paying, secure jobs and business opportunities for Aboriginal Territorians.

Santos, as operator of the Barossa joint venture, has been engaging with Aboriginal leaders from the Tiwi Islands, East Arnhem, West Arnhem, Darwin-Daly-Wagait and Victoria River District regions during 2023. It is intended that Aboriginal people will have a real voice in establishing governance arrangements and the investment mandate for the fund, and in selecting priority projects for funding.

Santos Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Kevin Gallagher said the Barossa joint venture partners are committed to real and practical action to help close the gap on Aboriginal disadvantage in the Northern Territory.

Mr Gallagher said, “Training, education and good jobs are a universal foundation for human progress. They are the building blocks for individual social and economic empowerment, and just as importantly, for stronger, more resilient families and communities. Achieving better employment outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians[1] depends on investments such as Barossa gas and Darwin LNG (DLNG) life extension to provide new job, business and other opportunities.

“The Barossa gas and DLNG life extension projects are already training and employing Aboriginal Territorians, and we plan to do much more, including through Santos and DLNG’s recent announcement of a new jobs program with KAEFER, our valued partner providing scaffolding, mechanical and fabric maintenance services for the DLNG plant.

“This program has already been a resounding success with over 90 applicants to date. Fifteen Aboriginal trainees and apprentices will start with KAEFER at the end of February with a second group to commence in the May/June period later this year.

“Sharing the benefits of projects like Barossa is a meaningful step we can take towards closing the gap,” Mr Gallagher said.

The details are intended to be finalised in consultation with Aboriginal leaders and other stakeholders prior to the commencement of production. Benefits can only be shared as the Barossa development progresses, which is subject to regulatory approvals.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mining, Mark Monaghan:

“The Territory Labor Government fully supports the Barossa Gas project, and deeply understands investment into remote areas underpins greater outcomes for the wider community.

“Santos is bridging the gap between private companies and traditional owners by creating positive, long lasting change through a new community benefit fund which will open more doors to access better health care, education and infrastructure.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Kate Worden:

“This funding commitment from Santos shows the role the resource industry has in creating stronger communities and providing a career path for indigenous Territorians.

“This is an example of how the resources sector can work with remote communities to improve outcomes for those communities and make a lasting impact through training and infrastructure.”

[1] In 2021 only 31 per cent of Aboriginal people aged 15 to 64 years of age were employed in the NT, unemployment stood at 8 per cent and 61 per cent were not in the labour force at all. Employment outcomes have declined over the last 15 years or more. (https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/indigenous-employment)

Source: Santos

To view the full media release, click here.

Power and Water has joined the celebration to mark the first large-scale solar generator on the Darwin-Katherine electricity network to achieve commercial dispatch of energy at 100% of the plant’s capacity.

This important milestone for the Northern Territory electricity market and the Territory’s progress towards a 50% renewable energy future follows effective collaboration between Defence and Power and Water to bring the RAAF Darwin solar generator online safely.

As the Network Owner and System Operator, Power and Water has a responsibility to ensure that new connections to the electricity network meet the standards and guidelines that maintain a reliable electricity supply to customers.

‘Safety is a core value for Power and Water. For us, that’s the safety of our people and our customers – and it’s also the safety and reliability of the services that we deliver to Territorians,’ Power and Water Chief Executive Officer Djuna Pollard said.

In addition to the RAAF Darwin solar system, there are 5 large scale solar generators connected to the Darwin-Katherine electricity network. The proponents are at varying stages of testing and commissioning before they can reach full commercial dispatch.

Power and Water continues to support proponents to progress their projects towards commercial operation, including negotiating conditions for partial dispatch - where network conditions for stability and security can be managed - prior to achieving full commercial dispatch.

‘We are pleased to be working closely with Defence on other renewables projects, as well as a number of other large scale solar generator projects in the Northern Territory, and look forward to continuing this collaborative relationship,’ Ms Pollard said.

Ends.

Contact: Media unit

Phone: 0401 117 599

Source: PowerWater

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. (TSXV: FO, AIM: FOG) is pleased to announce the commencement of the 30-day initial production (IP30) testing at the Shenandoah South 1H (“SS1H”) well in EP117, operated by Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited’s joint venture partner, Tamboran B2 Pty Limited.

Full details of the press release can be found on our main website homepage, under the Investor Centre section selecting Press Releases or clicking on the following link -> SS1H IP30 Commencement

Source: Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd