Australia is planning to build the world’s largest solar hub and battery farm. SunCable, the project, will cost an estimated $24 billion and generate enough clean energy to power three million homes in Australia. Additionally, the project will export excess energy to Singapore via an undersea cable, supplying about 15% of the city-state’s electricity needs.
Australia has given the green light to the world’s largest solar hub and battery farm. This project is set to become the largest solar energy project in the world. The project, spearheaded by the SunCable company, is backed by tech billionaire and green energy advocate Mike Cannon-Brookes. Moreover, it will cost around $24 billion and aims to generate enough electricity to power three million homes.
The solar farm will be located in Australia’s remote northern region and is expected to start producing energy by 2030. The project will generate four gigawatts of electricity for use within Australia. The solar hub will also send an additional two gigawatts to Singapore via an undersea cable. Meanwhile, this will meet about 15% of Singapore’s energy needs.
Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek praised the project, saying it will establish Australia as a global leader in green energy. “It will be the largest solar precinct in the world — and heralds Australia as the world leader in green energy,” said Environment Minister Plibersek.
Challenges Ahead
Despite receiving environmental approvals, the project still faces several challenges. It includes obtaining approvals from Singapore’s energy market authority, Indonesia’s government, and Australian Indigenous communities.
SunCable’s managing director, Cameron Garnsworthy, called the approval a significant milestone. However, he also acknowledged that more work lies ahead before the project reaches its final investment decision, expected by 2027.
Countries worldwide are pushing to develop large-scale solar projects to transition away from fossil fuels. China is currently leading in solar energy development. However, Australia, despite being one of the world’s top coal and gas exporters, is making strides with this ambitious project.
Moreover, The SunCable solar farm is seen as a critical step in helping Australia become a major player in the renewable energy sector. This development is a major milestone for Australia’s transition to a clean energy economy and demonstrates the country’s commitment to combating climate change.
