The Northern Territory Government is ramping up its commitment to renewables with a series of battery storage investments across the region.
The battery plan, announced on July 9, 2024, aims to expand rooftop solar capacity, reduce emissions, and maintain affordable power prices for Territorians.
The Territory’s Power and Water Corporation has secured conditional support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency for 16 community batteries.
According to the battery plan, these units will be strategically placed along the Darwin-Katherine electricity grid, addressing local network constraints and enhancing the grid’s capacity to integrate renewable energy sources.
Meanwhile, the $6.1 million Wurrumiyanga Solar Farm project is advancing towards completion.
Recent testing of its battery storage system in Berrimah has concluded successfully, paving the way for its installation at the solar farm in the coming months.
The project, which includes a 1.1 megawatt (MW) solar array and a 1.75 megavolt-amperes (MVA) battery energy storage system, is projected to cut diesel fuel consumption by 519,000 litres in its first year of operation.
The Lawler Government is also making strides in bringing renewable energy to remote communities.
The Remote Power System Strategy, aimed at delivering an average of 70 per cent renewable energy to 72 remote communities, has received a $3.1 million boost in the 2024 budget for preparatory works.
This includes detailed technical analysis for the rollout of additional solar and battery installations.
Consultation with Indigenous Essential Services community representative bodies and regional councils is underway, with feedback to be incorporated into a detailed business case in the coming months.
According to the Government, this strategy is expected to significantly reduce the reliance on diesel generators in regional and remote areas.
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