The Territory Government has awarded a tender for a wind generation study, which will inform near–term deployment of wind collection technology to gather data to de-risk and fast track investment.

Global consulting company Jacobs will deliver the study from its office in Darwin, with a clear commitment to deliver local benefits and initiatives to support local employment and industry development.

The study will identify prospective locations for large-scale wind generation in the Territory and develop a wind measurement strategy. The final study is expected to be delivered later this year.

While the Territory’s solar resources are well recognised, the Territory could also have strong wind resource potential. Currently there is limited publicly available information to assist prospective proponents and investors to undertake more detailed assessments of the Territory for large-scale wind generation.

In Budget 2023, the Territory Government allocated $1.7 million to accelerate hydrogen industry development. A key priority is to better understand the Territory’s wind resource potential, and to compile and publish pre-competitive data relating to wind resources for renewable energy generation.

Large-scale renewable energy generation and storage is necessary to achieve the Northern Territory’s strategic objectives, including 50% renewable energy and a $40 billion economy by 2030, and net zero emissions by 2050.