The Northern Territory Government is prioritising clean energy and renewables with its target of 50% renewables for electricity supply by 2030 and an aspirational vision of net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Territory’s climate and geography is well-suited to solar, which is the main renewable energy source. The Territory is home to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-technology solar demonstration facility, the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre, which publishes data generated by its systems on an open-access platform. Innovation is also supported by research at Charles Darwin University’s Centre for Renewable Energy, which focuses on technologies for waste-to-energy conversion, hybrid renewable energy systems and solar PV system maintenance.
The Territory is positioning itself to be at the forefront of the developing hydrogen industry. The renewable hydrogen strategy sets out how the Northern Territory will leverage its competitive advantages to become an international-scale centre for renewable hydrogen technology research, production and use.
Incentives, grants and support
Skilled individuals and businesses can access advice and support for migrating, investing and working in the Northern Territory. There are financial incentives for business owners as well as government grants to support businesses and individuals to make their mark.
The Darwin Innovation Hub provides startups, scaleups and established businesses with access to extensive networks, information, resources and strategies. It also has grants available through its Entrepreneurs Programme to help eligible applicants grow their business and there’s access to venture capital through the Paspalis Innovation Investment Fund.
There is also non-financial support for collaboration. Near Darwin, the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct will bring together businesses in energy, low-emissions manufacturing and related ecosystems, and is now offering lots of between 1 and 160 hectares. The Energy Club NT connects energy professionals across northern Australia, supporting innovation and knowledge-sharing.
Case study
Singapore- and Australia-based multinational Sun Cable has chosen the Northern Territory as the site of its flagship renewable energy infrastructure project, the A$30 billion Australia-Asia PowerLink. Featuring the world’s largest solar farm, battery and undersea cable, the AAPowerLink will supply renewable energy to Darwin and meet 15% of Singapore’s total energy needs.
Aqua Aerem’s US$10,75 billion 10GW Desert Bloom Hydrogen project will produce commercial quantities of green hydrogen for domestic and export use from 2023. The Northern Territory outback offered the project the perfect strategic location, with access to the world’s highest solar irradiation, as well as key pipeline, transport, and port infrastructure.