Australia is set to build the largest solar farm in the world, called SunCable.
This monumental project, located in the Northern Territory, represents a decisive step in the country's energy transition, as it aims to become a global leader in renewable energy. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek announced on August 21, 2024, the official approval of the plans for this solar power plant, which will cover 12,000 hectares (29,652 acres).
The project is designed to produce 6 gigawatts of electricity per hour, with 4 gigawatts intended to power three million Australian homes, while the remaining 2 gigawatts will be exported to Singapore via a 4,500-kilometer (about 2,796 miles) submarine cable.
SunCable is not only an energy project but also a significant economic venture for Australia. Its cost, estimated at 22 billion USD, is supported by investors, including Mike Cannon-Brookes, a billionaire committed to green energy. The plant is expected to start generating electricity by 2030, and the on-site batteries will be able to store up to 40 gigawatts of energy. Furthermore, the project is expected to create numerous jobs and stimulate the local economy in the Northern Territory.
However, despite the excitement it has generated, the project still requires several important approvals. Agreements are awaited from the authorities in Singapore, Indonesia, as well as from Australian Indigenous communities. If these approvals are secured, construction is expected to begin in 2027.
Australia is one of the world's largest exporters of coal and liquefied natural gas, fossil fuels that still dominate its energy production. However, faced with the dramatic effects of climate change, such as heatwaves, floods, and bushfires, the country has set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030, Australia aims to reduce its emissions by 43% compared to 2005 levels and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The SunCable project is a key part of this strategy. As Amanda McKenzie, CEO of the NGO Climate Council, highlighted, this solar power plant is a crucial step in transforming Australia into a clean energy powerhouse. Nevertheless, to meet its climate goals, the country will not only need to complete this project but also continue to invest massively in renewable energy.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND