Michael Gunner
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
Eva Lawler
Minister for Renewables and Energy
Media Release
Sun Cable Project Charges Ahead With Global Expert Team
20 October 2021
Sun Cable’s Australia-Asia PowerLink project continues to build momentum, with the announcement of a team of global experts to progress the $30+ billion project.
The Integrated Project Delivery Team (IPDT) brings together a group of world-leading engineering firms to form a global consortium for the project, which will see the Territory host the world’s largest solar farm and renewable energy system.
The milestone announcement involves Bechtel, SMEC, Hatch, PwC and Marsh, who will work towards a development timeline to ensure the construction can commence on the game-changing infrastructure immediately, following financial close in October 2023.
The team will spearhead opportunities that generate long-term benefits, not only for the Territory and Australia, but also for our northern neighbours.
Last financial year, Sun Cable invested over $2.3 million in the Territory to support project development activities. This includes wages for NT residents, and procurement of goods and services from more than 70 local businesses and entities to support development activities in the Territory.
Once operational, the Australia-Asia PowerLink will transmit large volumes of dispatchable electricity from the Barkly region to Darwin and Singapore markets. It will deliver total carbon emissions abatement estimated at 8.6 million tonnes each year.
The project will create 1,500 jobs during construction and 350 ongoing positions once operations begin.
To reach today’s announcement, Sun Cable have conducted a competitive tender process and each firm has been carefully selected based on their global credibility, capability, skill sets and the project requirements.
From 2026, the Australia-Asia PowerLink will have the capacity to provide a significant amount of renewable energy for the Territory, as well as up to 15 per cent of Singapore’s electricity supply by end of 2028.
It’s estimated the project will export $2 billion worth of solar electricity every year once up and running.
Quotes from Chief Minister Michael Gunner:
“The Australia-Asia PowerLink will inject $8 billion into the Australian economy, with most of it being spent right here in the Northern Territory.
"Sun Cable has established an office in Darwin and last financial year invested over $2.3 million into the Territory, supporting over 70 local businesses and entities.
“This project continues to build momentum and create more jobs and opportunities for Territorians, and is another massive sign of confidence in the comeback capital.”
Quotes from Minister for Renewables and Energy Eva Lawler:
“Territorians can look forward to affordable energy that’s reliable and renewable by the end of the decade.
“This projects shows strong confidence in investing in renewable energy, which is good for the environment, and driving a sustainable economy.
“It will also support industrial growth in Darwin, as well as supplying 15 per cent of Singapore’s electricity needs.”
Quotes from Sun Cable CEO David Griffin:
“To secure the support of these globally recognised experts is an important vote of confidence in the significance and feasibility of Sun Cable’s Australia-Asia PowerLink.
“Sun Cable is proud to have the expertise of Bechtel, Hatch, SMEC, Marsh, and PwC Australia reinforcing our team, as we deliver this game-changing infrastructure for Australia, Indonesia and Singapore.
“This project is designed to significantly accelerate the carbon zero ambitions of the region and we have brought together a dream team to bring it to fruition.”