The Northern Territory Government has approved a 25MW solar photovoltaic electricity plant to be built near Katherine, jointly developed by Epuron and Island Green Power.
This project supports the government’s recently announced electricity market reforms to deliver lower cost and reliable power, and meet the government’s target of 50 per cent renewables by 2030.
The Northern Territory government has also consented to government owned electricity retailer Jacana Energy entering into a long term power purchase agreement (PPA) for the project.
The PPA between Jacana Energy and Katherine Solar will enable the construction of the $40 million project, create over 100 jobs during construction and be the largest renewable energy generator in the Northern Territory.
The NT Minister for Renewables and Essential Services, Dale Wakefield, said the agreement between Katherine Solar and Jacana will increase renewable energy use in the Territory by between 3 and 4 per cent.
“There are lessons learned from the National Energy Market which we have incorporated into the design of this policy. This is a common-sense and best practice approach tailored for the Territory’s unique circumstances.”
Martin Poole, Epuron Executive Director, said the NT has great potential for solar energy, and it is exciting to see the Territory Government’s initiatives to enable investors to compete to generate the lowest cost solar power for the grid.
“Epuron owns and operates solar power stations in the NT at Alice Springs, Yulara, Kalkarindji, Ti Tree and Lake Nash/Alpurrurulam and we are pleased to be here at the announcement of our first project in the Darwin-Katherine electricity system,” Mr Poole said.
