Remote NT communities now solar powered

An initiative supported by the Northern Territory Government's Climate Change Policy will see three remote NT communities - the Ti Tree, Kalkarindgi and Alpurrurulam (Lake Nash) - powered by solar energy, with construction work now commenced at the Ti Tree site.

The initiative contributes to the Northern Territory Government’s Climate Change Policy (Target 11), which, by 2020, aims to replace diesel as the primary source of power generation.

The project, supported by renewable energy company Conergy Australia, also delivers on the Australian Government’s commitment to establish a showcase of renewable energy projects across the three remote locations through the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program.

David McCallum, General Manager of Conergy Australia, a leader in the manufacture and distribution of renewable energy systems, acknowledges the positive steps taken by the NT and Australian governments. He is hopeful that such a level of commitment to a sustainable outlook for our communities will set the standard for future governments.

“It is imperative that our state and territories embrace alternative power sources quickly. Our nation offers the perfect environment for renewable energy and we look forward to our governments embracing its future and the innovation to come.

“Conergy is pleased to be the first renewable energy company in Australia to construct such a significant project of 1 MW of solar power over three sites with the added inclusion of Proven wind turbines to support our remote communities’ transition from reliance on diesel power to renewables and encourage all governments to commit to sustainable energy programs such as this one being delivered in the Northern Territory,” said McCallum.

Power and Water Corporation has signed power purchase agreements with Epuron P/L and TKLN Solar P/L, which are Conergy AG subsidiaries, to build and operate these power stations. Conergy Australia and Epuron P/L are part of this solar and wind project from design to construction.

The three new power stations combined will deliver up to 80% of the community’s electricity demand during the day and up to 30% of total annual electricity demand.