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Australia has made a monumental decision in its renewable energy journey by approving the world’s largest solar and battery farm, a project set to revolutionize global green energy. Spearheaded by SunCable, this massive initiative will not only power millions of homes within Australia but also export clean energy to Singapore, solidifying Australia’s position as a leader in the global renewable energy sector.
A Landmark in Renewable Energy Located in Australia’s vast Northern Territory, the SunCable project spans an impressive 12,000 hectares and comes with a staggering USD 24 billion price tag. Once completed, the farm will generate six gigawatts of solar energy, with two gigawatts dedicated to supplying 15% of Singapore’s energy needs through an undersea cable. Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek hailed this project as a significant milestone, noting that it positions Australia as a global powerhouse in green energy.
The Path to Green Energy Export Scheduled to commence operations by 2030, this project marks a significant step towards reducing global reliance on fossil fuels. SunCable’s managing director, Cameron Garnsworthy, celebrated the approval as a pivotal moment in the project’s timeline, emphasizing the company’s focus on advancing to the next stages of development.
However, the road to completion is complex, requiring collaboration with Singapore’s energy market authority, the Indonesian government, and Australian Indigenous communities. SunCable is targeting 2027 for its final investment decision, with full-scale energy production slated to begin shortly thereafter.
Australia’s Renewable Energy Transition This ambitious project comes at a critical time as Australia grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change. Despite being a leading exporter of coal and gas, the nation has been slower to embrace renewable energy fully. In 2022, only 32% of Australia’s electricity came from renewable sources, while coal remained dominant at 47%. The SunCable project represents a significant shift in Australia’s energy landscape, signaling a stronger commitment to green energy.
Global Implications and Australia’s Future Experts like Ken Baldwin from the Australian National University’s Energy Change Institute see this project as a “world first” in exporting renewable electricity at such a scale. Baldwin highlighted the need for continued investment in solar and wind energy to meet Australia’s ambitious net-zero targets by 2050.
Meanwhile, Amanda McKenzie, Chief Executive of the Climate Council, emphasized that projects like SunCable are essential to making Australia a “clean energy powerhouse.” With coal-fired power stations nearing closure, accelerating solar and storage projects across all levels is crucial for ensuring affordable energy and reducing climate pollution.
A Visionary Investment by Mike Cannon-Brookes This project also represents a significant achievement for Mike Cannon-Brookes, co-founder of Atlassian and a vocal advocate for renewable energy. His investment in SunCable underscores his commitment to driving Australia’s transition to a green energy economy, setting the stage for further innovations in the renewable sector.
