Northern Territory’s largest solar program nearing completion

PRESS RELEASE

The Northern Territory’s largest solar program is heading towards completion, with work in 16 communities already finished.

Power and Water Corporation has released two new videos celebrating the program’s progress to date on the Solar Energy Transformation Program (SETuP).  Ultimately, the four year program will provide 10 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic power into the energy mix of 25 communities across the Northern Territory.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Northern Territory Government are co-funding the project, valued at $59 million.

The program is changing Power and Water Corporation’s energy supply portfolio, making solar energy an established part of future power station design and will create fuel savings of at least 15 per cent across the 25 communities.

Power and Water Chief Executive Michael Thomson says the corporation is pleased with how the program is progressing and the results to date.

“This program will not only deliver fuel savings for our remote Territory communities, it has also demonstrated a successful model of engagement with communities.  Proactive communication and engagement with the local communities has increased the understanding of how solar power can not only create efficiencies, but improve the air quality, reduce the number of heavy vehicles travelling in and out of a community and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“The program has been received positively within remote communities and community leaders have been actively engaged to contribute to its successful delivery. The work is also contributing to government’s target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.”

To view the program videos and find out more, visit: https://www.powerwater.com.au/sustainability_and_environment/setup