Titjikala powered by renewable energy

14 November 2023

The Territory Labor Government is powering towards its target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

During the month of September, the remote community of Titjikala, about 130 kilometres south of Alice Springs, was powered by 83 per cent renewable energy.

Home to 200 residents, the community was solely powered by renewable energy for an average of 20 hours per day during the month.

Titjikala has a 400 kilowatt solar array, integrated with a 300 kilovolt-ampere (970 kilowatt hour) battery energy storage system.

It is one of 25 communities part of the Power and Water Solar Energy Transformation Program (SETuP).

SETuP integrates 10 megawatts of solar in remote communities, to transition to a renewable energy future and reduce reliance on diesel fuel.

Battery energy storage system technology enables the storage of excess solar energy and allows diesel engines to be turned off during the daytime.

The diesel engines start up again overnight when the battery energy storage system is depleted.

Installation of the battery energy storage system was funded by the Northern Territory Government and commissioned in March 2021.

The SETuP program is largest isolated off-grid solar program in remote communities and has enabled significant savings on diesel and transport costs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Renewables, Nicole Manison:

“Titjikala is a great remote renewable energy success story – providing safe, reliable and environmentally friendly power to the community.

“The Territory Labor Government wants a future powered by renewable energy, creating green jobs and driving down emissions.

“With our abundant solar resources, we can create permanent and stable energy solutions that decarbonise our regional and remote areas.”

Northern Territory Government