NT launches plan to power 72 remote indigenous communities with 70 pct renewables

The Northern Territory government has launched community consultations on its Remote Power System Strategy (RPSS), in a bid to power remote indigenous communities with an average of 70 per cent renewables, by 2030.

The program targets the territory’s 72 communities serviced by Indigenous Essential Services (IES), with initial consultations expected to involve Land Councils, Regional Government Councils, Local Aboriginal Corporations, and other relevant stakeholders. 

The Territory government said on Friday that the consultation process would also include engaging with stakeholders to understand their aspirations and the required support to implement the renewable energy strategy.

The idea, the government says, is to establish the optimal renewable development pathway, considering existing energy assets, community aspirations, electricity demand profiles and forecast growth for each community.

“The Northern Territory is in the process of transitioning to a future where renewable energy will play a greater role in our energy consumption,” said NT minister for renewable energy Kate Worden.

“We are working towards our target of net zero emissions by 2050 and this strategy will play a significant role in achieving this.

“The strategy will also provide opportunities for local communities including training and employment.,” Worden said.

The strategy builds on the success of the Solar Energy Transformation Program (SETuP) – 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.