Jacana Energy is seeking Expression of Interest (EOI) for the supply of up to 100 MW of renewable energy for the Darwin-Katherine region, the Northern Territory (NT) Government announced.
The planned investment will deliver up to 15% of the NT Government’s objective of 50% by 2030, which is enough to power 21,000 households annually.
This EOI differs in that proponents are encouraged to explore connecting at specified places within the greater Darwin region that correspond to the location of the NT Government’s Renewable Energy Hub.
The EOI is the initial stage in a multi-phase process to procure, connect, and commission more large-scale clean energy sources closer to Darwin.
“Our customers want clean, affordable energy. Kicking off a procurement process now ensures that we will be able to make an investment decision that supports the delivery of renewable energy well before 2030,” Jacana Energy CEO Louisa Kinnear said.
“The addition of more large-scale solar is a major part of the Darwin-Katherine Electricity System Plan and our EOI is designed to produce renewable energy in way that aligns with this Plan,” Kinnear stated.
According to the Territory Government, ongoing investment in renewable energy infrastructure is critical, and initiatives such as the EOI and the Renewable Energy Hub aim to expand the amount of renewable energy available to Territorians.
A project of this magnitude is projected to bring more than $200 million in additional investment to the Territory while also providing an additional 150 jobs during construction.
Once the procurement process is completed, the Government said Territorians could anticipate renewable energy from these solar farms to begin around 2027.
“We have always said sustainability is at the core of what we do, and this EOI for 100MW more of renewable energy will take the Territory to the next level,” Acting Minister for Renewables Eva Lawler said.
“Jumpstarting the procurement now ensures that we will be able to make an investment that supports the delivery of renewable energy well before 2030,” Minister Lawler added.
The EOI will open on 22 August 2023, with submissions due by 26 September 2023.
