Australia approved on Wednesday plans for a massive solar and battery farm that would export energy to Singapore, a project billed as the “largest solar precinct in the world.”
Authorities announced environmental approvals for SunCable’s US$24 billion project in Australia’s remote north that is slated to power three million homes.
The project, which will include an array of panels, batteries and, eventually, a cable linking Australia with Singapore, is backed by tech billionaire and green activist Mike Cannon-Brookes.
It is hoped that energy production will begin in 2030, providing four gigawatts of energy for domestic use.
Two more gigawatts would be sent to Singapore via undersea cable, supplying about 15% of the city-state’s needs.
Despite Wednesday’s green light, numerous approval processes and other hurdles remain.
‘Clean Energy Powerhouse’
Countries around the world are racing to bring major solar projects online to ease the transition away from polluting fossil fuels.
China leads the way and is building almost twice as much wind and solar capacity as every country combined.
Earlier this year, it brought online the 3.5 gigawatt Midong solar farm, its largest facility so far.
In contrast, Australia remains one of the world’s leading exporters of coal and gas, despite being ravaged by the effects of climate change – from intense heat to floods and bushfires.
In 2022, renewables made up 32% of Australia’s total electricity generation – compared to coal, which contributed 47%, according to the latest government data.
Climate Council chief executive Amanda McKenzie said the new solar hub was a bold step in making Australia a “clean energy powerhouse” and that such projects were essential in “delivering affordable energy and slashing climate pollution.”
The project would also be a significant step for Cannon-Brookes, who once described the project as “insane” before becoming an enthusiastic investor.
With AFP
