Northern Territory solar power systems are part of a multi-million dollar capital works program by the NT government.
Details of Power and Water’s $215 million annual capital program were confirmed at the recent Northern Territory Major Projects Conference.
The NT Power and Water program includes a rollout of 10 MW of solar power systems across 29 remote Indigenous communities. The cost of the new solar power generation is $55 million.
Power and Water’s David Coucill said the works program will ensure delivery of water and electricity services for all Territorians.
Northern Territory solar power will reduce reliance on diesel fuel
Mr Coucill said SETuP (the Solar Energy Transformation Program) is transforming the way power reaches the Territory’s remote communities.
Supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), SETuP will incorporate solar power for homes to cut back dependence on diesel in remote communities.
The installation of integrated electricity in the form of solar panels aims to reduce emissions and local pollution with fewer fuel trucks and barges visiting the communities.
“Solar SETuP installations in these unique and vast environments demonstrate how remote communities are paving the way to create a more reliable, cleaner, greener future for the Northern Territory.”
Substation replacement for reliable electricity grid
Power and Water’s works program also includes the ongoing $67 million major power network zone substation replacement.
Mr Coucill said that after seven years, the zone substation upgrade process is on track. “It is nearing completion with the re-commissioning of the Casuarina Zone Substation in the coming weeks. The massive scope of works will ensure continued safe and reliable power supply networks across the Territory.”
In addition, an $8.1 million project will replace transmission lines from the Channel Island Power Station across the Elizabeth River. The project will use helicopters to string the lines between the new power distribution poles.
“We are improving the capacity and security of the existing 132kV Channel Island Power Station crossing over Elizabeth River to be Category four cyclone rated. This will reduce significant risk of critical transmission power failure during a cyclone.”
The Territory’s commitment to solar energy suits an area that gets an average 11 hours’ sunshine daily. For prospective users who wish to take advantage of this potential energy, see our Darwin / Northern Territory solar power specials page.
