The Northern Territory Government is seeking feedback on the proposed development of the Darwin Renewable Energy Hub, which aims to supply more affordable, secure and cleaner energy to the Darwin-Katherine electricity system.
Northern Territory Minister for Renewables, Gerard Maley, said the project would boost the local economy over its operating life, creating around 500 jobs during construction and operation, including long-term sustainable jobs.
“A key priority of the Northern Territory Government is economic development through jobs creation and this project represents a considerable injection into the Territory economy.”
Mr Maley said the project is expected to generate over $400 million in local supply chain spending during construction and large-scale private investment in generation and energy storage.
“It is great for the economy and great for the environment, but the Darwin Renewable Energy Hub will also enable enhanced energy security and grid resilience, as well as place downward pressure on electricity bills.”
The Renewable Energy Hub involves the co-location of up to six large-scale solar farms, capable of generating 180–210MW of renewable energy, alongside a battery energy storage system, all on a single site near existing network infrastructure.
The proposed site is 940ha of Crown Land located on the west side of Finn Road, about 19km south of Palmerston and 4km north of Berry Springs. The development area within the proposed site is approximately 500ha.
All electricity produced in the hub will be fed directly into the Darwin-Katherine grid, supplying clean and renewable power to Territory households and businesses.
The Northern Territory Government said a comprehensive site selection process was undertaken to identify the most suitable location, with the proposed site zoned for light industry under the Darwin Regional Land Use Plan.
The consultation process will allow local residents, the community, businesses and key stakeholders to obtain information about the project and provide feedback.
The Territory Government said the final project design and final investment decision will be informed by feedback provided through the consultation process.
Subject to a final investment decision on the project, implementation is expected to run from 2025 to 2030.
Public consultation will close at 5pm on Friday 28 February 2025.
