SunCable has obtained principal environmental approval from the Northern Territory Government and NT Environment Protection Authority for its flagship Australia-Asia Power Link (AAPowerLink) project, paving the way for the next phase of development.
The AAPowerLink is the world’s largest renewable energy and transmission project in development and is projected to be one of the largest economic industrial developments in Australian history.
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The project seeks to develop the world’s largest renewable energy precinct in the Barkly region of the Northern Territory.
Over two stages of development, it aims to deliver up to 4GW of 24/7 green electricity to green industrial customers in Darwin (900MW in Stage 1 and a further approximately 3GW in Stage 2), and 1.75GW to customers in Singapore via a 4,300km subsea cable.
SunCable Australia managing director Cameron Garnsworthy said, “SunCable is delighted to receive environmental approval from the Northern Territory Government to proceed with our flagship Australia-Asia PowerLink project.
“This approval allows us to progress the development, commercial, and engineering activities required to advance the project to Final Investment Decision targeted in 2027.
“AAPowerLink presents a unique opportunity for the Northern Territory to be at the forefront of this global shift through the development of its world-class renewable energy resources to supply customers in Darwin and Singapore with 24/7 green electricity.
“This will underpin a new wave of green industrial development in the NT, via prospective projects that include green minerals, hydrogen, e-fuels, and data centres.”
A Final Investment Decision (FID) is expected in 2027, with electricity supply to commence in the early 2030s.
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The project is expected to deliver more than AU$20 billion in economic value to the Northern Territory during the construction period and first 35 years of operation.
SunCable’s AAPowerLink project had held Major Projects Status with the NT Government since 2019, and Commonwealth Government since 2020. Infrastructure Australia has assessed the project as Investment Ready on its Priority Initiative List.
