Renewable energy future a step closer in Wurrumiyanga

21 February 2024

Clean, green power across the Territory is a priority of the Territory Labor Government.

The Wurrumiyanga Solar Infill and Energy Storage Pilot Project is another step closer to completion with the battery energy storage system currently undergoing testing in Berrimah.

Wurrumiyanga is already operating on some solar. This project will provide an additional 1.1 megawatt solar array, together with a 1.75 MVA battery energy storage system.

The battery system will provide 3 megawatt hours of storage capacity.

Once testing of the battery system is complete at Berrimah, it will be transported to Wurrumiyanga where another round of testing will take place to ensure successful integration with the grid.

The project is estimated to reduce diesel fuel consumption by 519,000 litres in the first year of operation by introducing additional renewable energy technology, with works expected to be completed by May 2024.

The $6.1 million Wurrumiyanga Solar Infill and Energy Storage Pilot Project is part of the Territory Labor Government’s commitment of $10.4 million to date for the Renewable Remote Power Program.

This project will contribute to the Territory Labor Government reaching our target of 50% renewable energy by 2030, which includes an average of 70% renewables in all communities supplied by the Indigenous Essential Services program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Renewables and Energy Kate Worden

“The Northern Territory is in the process of transitioning to a future where renewable energy will play a greater role in our energy consumption.

“The Wurrumiyanga Solar Infill and Energy Storage Pilot Project will give the community cleaner power and reduce the need to rely on diesel generators.

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

Quote attributable to the Member for Arafura, Manuel Brown:

“It is great to see our largest community on Bathurst Island driving down emissions. Testing underway means my community will get more renewable energy soon.

“A renewables future is now one step closer for the Wurrumiyanga community and we look forward to extending the lessons learnt from this project to other remote Territory communities.”

Northern Territory Government