Construction of the Darwin-Katherine ‘Big Battery’ Underway

29 August 2022

The Territory Labor Government knows that investing in renewables delivers clean, affordable and reliable energy for Territorians, attracts new private investment and creates more local jobs.

Construction is underway for the Territory’s $45 million big battery – known as Darwin-Katherine Battery Energy Storage System (DK BESS) - with earthworks complete, heavy foundations, in-ground services and culverts well underway.

The 35MVA battery is expected to pay for itself in approximately five years and deliver cost savings of around $9.8 million per year. It will also reduce emissions by about 58,000 tonnes per annum.

The Darwin and Katherine Electricity System provides energy to 150,000 Territorians and the DK BESS is the first step towards reducing the use of gas generators for the system.

It will unlock further capacity for households to connect their rooftop solar and for industry to invest into lower cost solar systems for commercial and industrial operations.

The DK BESS is expected to be operational in 2023, with battery installation due to commence late this year.

Quotes from Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles:

“We’ve backed renewables and so have Territorians - they know renewables deliver cleaner, cheaper and secure power.

“The cutting-edge technology in our Battery Energy Storage System will reinforce the Northern Territory as the solar capital of Australia. It will store power and be the backbone of the Darwin to Katherine Electricity grid.

“The Territory Labor Government is backing Territorians, solar and lower prices to get it done.”

Quotes from Minister for Renewables and Energy, Selena Uibo:

“Construction of the Darwin-Katherine BESS is a huge step forward in our plan for 50% renewables by 2030.

“Our electricity will be more reliable and stable, whilst maintaining affordability for Territorians.

“Our future is renewables.  This is why we are investing now in the BESS and hydrogen powered generators so we can have clean and efficient energy to help reach our renewables and net zero emission targets.”

Quotes from Territory Generation CEO, Gerhard Laubscher:

“The Darwin-Katherine battery not only delivers on a portion of the Government’s Darwin-Katherine Electricity System Plan but is also key to unlocking flexibility in our generation fleet to better manage the increasing impacts of solar on the system."

Northern Territory Government