New solar, battery precinct for Northern Territory
The Federal Government has celebrated with Barkly communities in the Northern Territory to mark the signing of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement for a major solar and battery precinct in the Northern Territory.
The Agreement between Native Title Holders, the Northern Land Council and AAPowerLink Australia Assets Pty Ltd (SunCable) is expected to provide employment, training and business opportunities for Native Title Holders, their families and First Nations people in the community.
The proposed 12,000 hectare precinct will span Powell Creek Station, south of Elliot near Tennant Creek and once finalised, will be one of the largest renewable energy precincts in the world.
The precinct aims to meet growing energy demands by leveraging the declining costs of solar and battery storage to deliver sustainable solutions on a large scale.
SunCable’s AAPowerLink Project will harness solar energy from the Barkly region and transmit power, as well as build 750 kilometres of overhead transmission lines to transport electricity to Darwin.
The Solar and Battery Precinct will be developed in stages, with each size of the stage to be determined by customer offtake agreements.
A final agreement is expected by late 2027 with power to Darwin to start in 2032.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy the project was a great example of how economic empowerment can help close the gap and support First Nations communities to lead their own futures.
“I commend the Northern Land Council, Native Title Holders and SunCable for reaching this significant milestone,” she said.
“This new precinct presents a significant opportunity for communities in the Northern Territory to benefit from the transition to net zero, including critical construction jobs and skills development that will help build local capability and prosperity.”
Northern Land Council Chairman Matthew Ryan said his organisation was proud to have negotiated the deal with SunCable on behalf of the Traditional Owners of Janigirulu, Bamayu and Walanypirri.
“It sends a clear message that the Northern Territory is open for business. This demonstrates that Aboriginal Territorians are leading the way by participating in genuine engagement with big business,” he said.
Enduring partnership
“This is about strengthening self-determination, building sustainable communities, and contributing to the long-term economic viability of the Northern Territory.
“Over the years the NLC has facilitated a number of successful business ventures with Traditional Owners in the Barkly and we look forward to promoting more opportunities towards creating a prosperous future for everyone in the Northern Territory.”
SunCable Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Willemsen-Bell said the agreement marked the beginning of an enduring partnership between SunCable, the Northern Land Council and the Powell Creek Native Title Holders to develop this transformative renewable energy project in the Northern Territory.
“This agreement is a symbol of partnership, of shared vision, and of mutual respect,” he said.
“SunCable is developing one of the largest renewable energy projects in the region, designed to harness the Northern Territory’s world-class solar resource to deliver reliable, cost-effective renewable electricity to industrial customers in the Northern Territory and SouthEast Asia.
“The ILUA is the result of years of dialogue, negotiation and trust-building. It ensures that the voices of Native Title Holders are not only heard but are central to the development of this project. Throughout the years, SunCable has listened carefully to shape a comprehensive agreement that recognises the importance of Native Title rights and interest that will deliver long term benefits.”
