Supporting projects that get Territorians working

16 July 2024

The Lawler Labor Government is continuing to back projects that get Territorians working with the environmental approval of the SunCable project.

The SunCable project proposes to construct a 12,000 ha large scale solar farm, delivering renewable energy to Darwin via a high voltage cable and to Singapore through a high voltage undersea cable. The project is expected to create 1750 jobs during construction.

The solar farm will be constructed at Powell Creek Station near Elliot with 800km long high voltage overhead power lines from the solar farm to Gunn Point.

The project is expected to create 350 ongoing jobs and have an operational life of 70 years.

A converter site will be constructed at Gunn Point where the solar power will be transported to, and then through the undersea cable to Singapore via Commonwealth and International waters.

The NT Environment Protection Authority considered potential significant impacts from the project through a rigorous environmental impact statement process and made recommendations to the Minister.

In accepting the NT EPA’s recommendations, the Minister has issued an environmental approval that includes conditions to ensure potential environmental impacts are managed to an acceptable level.

The proponent is also required to ensure impacts on the terrestrial and marine environments, including threatened species, are avoided and appropriately managed.

The NT EPA’s assessment report can be viewed on the environmental assessment public register: https://ntepa.nt.gov.au/your-business/public-registers/environmental-impact-assessments-register/completed-assessments

The environmental approval can be viewed on the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security website: https://depws.nt.gov.au/environment-information/environmental-assessment-and-approvals/environmental-approvals

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water Security Kate Worden:

“The SunCable project has been through a rigorous environmental approval process and will be a great asset to the Territory as we move towards a renewable energy future.

“This project will deliver thousands of jobs for Territorians and harness one of our greatest assets, the abundance of sunshine.

“The Lawler Labor Government will continue to support and invest in projects that get Territorians working.”

Quotes attributable to SunCable Managing Director Cameron Garnsworthy:

“SunCable is delighted to receive environmental approval from the Northern Territory Government to proceed with our flagship Australia-Asia PowerLink project.

“This approval allows us to progress the development, commercial, and engineering activities required to advance the project to Final Investment Decision targeted in 2027. 

“SunCable is founded with the belief that Australia can lead the world’s energy transition.  

“AAPowerLink presents a unique opportunity for the Northern Territory to be at the forefront of this global shift through the development of its world-class renewable energy resources to supply customers in Darwin and Singapore with 24/7 green electricity.  

“This will underpin a new wave of green industrial development in the NT, via prospective projects that include green minerals, hydrogen, e-fuels, and data centres.

“This future-facing project will invest deeply in local communities in the Northern Territory from Central Australia to the Top End, as we create many thousands of local jobs, skill up Australian workers, and offer a host of opportunities for local businesses and suppliers."

Northern Territory Government