The Northern Territory Government has released it’s Roadmap to Renewables report, which sets out a credible path for the state to take advantage of the unprecedented opportunity presented by the rapid shift to renewable energy across the globe.
Chief Minister, Michael Gunner, said the shift to renewable energy is inevitable, and the Northern Territory is uniquely placed to take advantage of this technological advance to deliver secure, reliable and affordable power.
“Our abundance of renewable resources and our existing gas power infrastructure puts us in the box seat,” Mr Gunner said.
“Increased investment in renewable energy creates jobs, and delivering cheap and reliable energy for businesses and families is a boost for economic development and population growth.
“That’s why we have accepted or accepted in principle the key 11 recommendations from the report.
“Over the coming months we will carefully and methodically undertaking the financial and economic modelling required to implement these recommendations in a way which delivers the cheapest possible power for families and businesses, and minimises the need for taxpayer investment.”
Mr Gunner said part of this process will be providing $750,000 to Power Water to develop and validate a dynamic system model, which will ensure that increasing levels of renewable energy can be integrated into the grid in a stable and predictable way.
“We want to ensure that market rules and technical requirements are clear and transparent so businesses have the confidence to invest and create jobs in the renewables sector,” Mr Gunner said.
“Today I am also announcing $4.5 million for co-contribution grants of up to $1000 to households to undertake energy efficiency measures such as installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, batteries, solar pool pumps, smart meters, efficient lighting, solar hot water, energy efficient appliances, and efficiency audits.
“An important part of this initiative will be partnering with community groups to deliver educational and awareness campaigns about being energy smart. I look forward to announcing further details of this scheme in the coming months.”
The report is a Northern Territory Government election commitment and marks a big step towards delivering on it’s target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
