NT Government Unveils Plans for $400 Million Solar and Battery Hub Near Darwin

The newly elected Northern Territory (NT) government has announced an ambitious $400 million renewable energy hub planned for Darwin’s outskirts, featuring six solar farms and a substantial battery energy storage system. This proposed Darwin Renewable Energy Hub (REH) is set to produce around 210 megawatts of solar power across six interconnected solar farms, delivering all generated power directly to the local grid and enhancing the region's energy security.

Located on 940 hectares of Crown Land near the Middle Arm industrial hub, the REH will provide a local, resilient energy source. “This project is a win for the economy and environment,” said NT renewable energy minister Gerard Maley. “The Darwin REH will improve energy security, strengthen grid resilience, and help lower electricity bills.”

This new initiative is the government’s first step into large-scale renewable energy and may impact SunCable's mega-project, which also aims to supply power to the Darwin grid while fueling green industry growth. Currently, NT's solar capacity includes smaller solar farms totaling around 50 MW, facing grid-connection issues due to dispatch limitations. The REH’s large battery storage aims to overcome such challenges, aligning with the NT's vision for a stable and sustainable grid.

The NT government sees the REH as a foundation for integrating renewable energy with gas and battery storage for energy security, economic benefits, and job creation. A factsheet released on the project emphasized the government’s intent to transition to net-zero emissions and a diverse energy mix to manage grid stability and reduce greenhouse gases. NT Chief Minister Lia Finnochiaro also emphasized the REH’s role in supporting local jobs and energy stability as a cornerstone for Darwin’s future.

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