NT orders another two big batteries to back solar and gas after “success” of first project in Darwin

The Northern Territory government has signed contracts for two new big battery projects worth a combined $82.1 million, following what it says is the better-than-expected performance of its first big storage project in Darwin.

The conservative CLP government – like the LNP in Queensland – has ripped up the previous Labor government’s renewable energy targets, but is committing to battery storage because of its key role in balancing increasing amounts of solar, and relieving its reliance on expensive and often ageing gas generators.

The NT is made up of multiple small grids based around the biggest population centres – Darwin and Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs – but these are not interconnected.

All are struggling with the growing share of rooftop solar, and regulators prevented four utility-scale solar farms from connecting to the grid until more battery storage could be provided. Its first big battery – sized at 35 MW, and 35 MWh – was commissioned in Darwin in 2024.

The government says the Darwin battery, next to the Channel Island power station has “exceeded expectations” and will now be followed by a new 21.5 MW, 21.5 MWh battery at Katherine, at the southern end of the Darwin-Katherine grid.

Another big battery, sized at 12 MW, and 48 MWh, will be built in Alice Springs, next to the Owen Springs dual fuelled (gas and diesel) power station.

Both the $46.5 million Alice Springs battery and the $35.6 million Katherine battery will be built by Pacific Energy, a specialist in off-grid and remote grid installations, including the Tropicana, Westgold and St Ives renewable hybrid power supplies.

The minister for Essential Services Steve Edgington said the batteries would strengthen energy security, stabilise the grid, and back in more solar.

“This is about building a modern energy system for the future—one that is reliable, smarter, and more secure,” he said in a statement.

“Battery storage is a key piece of that puzzle, helping us integrate more solar while keeping power affordable and reliable.

“Territorians well remember how the previous Labor Government pushed ahead with several solar farms but failed to make sure the grid was stable enough and they were not supplying to the grid under Labor. The CLP is fixing another Labor mess to make the grid stable, and batteries are a part of that.

“These large-scale batteries are not just about keeping the lights on – it’s about powering our economy. By improving energy security, we’re creating the conditions for new industries and local jobs as part of our plan to rebuild the economy.”

Territory Generation CEO Gerhard Laubscher said the batteries would strengthen system stability and improve grid response to sudden changes and unplanned events.

Pacific Energy has been involved in the design and management of the Darwin battery, which Territory Generation has performed well, particularly in recent outages. The new BESS projects will be delivered with key technology partners, including ABB for inverter systems and Narada for battery supply.

“Batteries are now the essential part of the system, and the power generation on the site,” Pacific Energy CEO Mike Hall told Renew Economy. “It is essential to meet energy performance targets, particularly in isolated systems.”

Both batteries are due to be completed by early 2028. Civil works for the Owen Springs battery have been awarded to local Alice Springs company Asplum & Civil, with minor electrical and ancillary works also supported by local Alice Springs providers.

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