The Territory government is working on a strategy to deliver an average 70% renewable energy to the 72 remote communities currently provided electricity through the Indigenous Essential Services (IES) program.
Delivery of the strategy is an action under the government's climate change response and a key pillar of the NT's 50% by 2030 renewable energy target.
The main source of electricity in IES communities is diesel-fired generation. The strategy aims to reduce energy-related diesel consumption in these communities whilst improving energy security and reducing emissions.
The strategy builds on the success of the completed Solar Energy Transformation Program (SETuP). SETuP was a $60 million program co-funded by the Territory Government and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) which delivered 10 megawatts of solar generation to remote communities in the Territory between 2017 and 2019.
The government is progressing detailed analysis of each community to map the optimal renewables development pathway. Planning activities are focused on maximising opportunities for local industries, creating jobs for Territorians and strengthening local skills and expertise.
In addition to the community focused detailed analysis, the project will involve a process of identifying available land for solar development in each community. Pilot projects and studies to facilitate greater levels of distributed energy supplies and emerging technologies, such as hydrogen, will also be investigated.
To kick start activities, the Territory government is investing $6.1 million into a pilot project to install additional solar PV and energy storage at the Wurrumiyanga community. The Wurrumiyanga Pilot Project is expected to be operational in 2024, allowing the community to be powered by 50% renewable energy.
Read more about the Wurrumiyanga Pilot Project on the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade website.
In January 2024, the Territory Government commenced consultations with land councils and regional government councils.
Following initial consultation with the councils, the government will engage with local Aboriginal corporations, community members, businesses, and service providers to understand their aspirations in relation to power services and required support in this regard.
These engagements will inform the optimal renewable development pathway, considering existing energy assets, community aspirations, electricity demand profiles and forecast growth for each community.
Consultation will be continuous over the life of the program, which is due to be completed by 2030.
For further information on the remote power systems strategy, read the frequently asked questions PDF (553.0 KB).
To register interest in the strategy, email the Office of Sustainability at RemotePowerSystemStrategy.DITT@nt.gov.au.