The next stage of construction on the Northern Territory’s largest solar project will soon begin with the Solar Energy Transformation Program’s (SETuP) tranche two contract awarded to Darwin-based construction company, Territoria Civil.

On completion in November 2018, the SETuP program will provide 10 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic power into the energy mix of 28 communities across the Northern Territory.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $31.5 million towards the total $59 million project, which is jointly funded through the Northern Territory Government and managed by Power and Water Corporation.

Last year, Territoria Civil built and integrated 3.325 MW of solar PV into diesel power systems in the first 10 remote Aboriginal communities. They will now begin construction to integrate a further 5.6 MW of solar PV into diesel power systems in another 17 communities.

Power and Water Chief Executive Michael Thomson says the corporation is pleased to continue to partner with ARENA and the Northern Territory Government on this important project and building on the success achieved in the past twelve months.

“This project demonstrates how delivery of cost effective, renewable energy can be employed to provide reliable power to remote communities, where both energy demand and costs are high,” said Mr Thomson.

“Reducing our reliance on diesel fuel in remote locations makes economic and environmental sense. As these hybrid systems combine existing Power and Water assets with clean technologies, we are able to ensure service remains consistent while making a 15 per cent saving on diesel fuel.”

Construction is due to begin this month with the following communities:

* Inclusion pending interconnection NR: Northern Region  SR: Southern Region

In 2017, these communities received solar power through SETuP Tranche One:

Arlparra, Kintore, Nyirripi (Waite Creek), Kaltukatjara (Docker River), Mt Liebig, Areyonga, Yuendumu, Maningrida, Ramingining and Lajamanu

About Power and Water Corporation

Power and Water is responsible for electricity transmission and distribution and provides water and sewerage services across the Northern Territory, an area of more than 1.3 million square kilometres. Power and Water also supplies electricity generation and retail services to 72 remote communities through its not-for-profit subsidiary, Indigenous Essential Services Pty Ltd.

Contact: Media unit

Phone: 0401 117 599