Sun Cable Project Expands with 12GW Wind Addition
New details have emerged regarding the future of Sun Cable, the world’s largest renewable energy and storage initiative, with plans to incorporate 12 gigawatts (GW) of wind power alongside extensive solar arrays and large-scale battery systems in the Northern Territory.
These revelations were disclosed by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, the global investor founded in Australia, following their involvement in exploring immediate opportunities for the project at the behest of Sun Cable’s primary supporter, software tycoon Mike Cannon-Brookes.
Enhanced Project Scope
Quinbrook’s analysis highlighted the potential benefits of integrating wind energy into the project, which was initially centred on 20 GW of solar capacity and 42 GWh of battery storage.
After thorough assessments spanning nearly a year, Quinbrook has refined the project’s configuration, proposing 12 GW of wind power, a reduction in solar capacity to 12 GW, and a decrease in battery storage to 32 GWh. This adjustment acknowledges the pivotal role wind energy will play in sustaining power generation post-sunset.
Project Phases and Expansion
James Allan, a director at Quinbrook and Sun Cable, indicated that the project is likely to be implemented in two phases. The initial phase will encompass 12 GW of wind and solar capacity, along with 16 GWh of battery storage.
Notably, this phase will target establishing connections to Singapore and supplying a new eco-friendly manufacturing hub in Middle Arm, Darwin, in addition to the previously planned domestic operations.
The subsequent phase will involve an additional 12 GW of wind and solar power, along with 16 GWh of battery storage, primarily aimed at enhancing the Singapore connection’s capacity.
Allan emphasised the project’s scale and ambition, labelling it as one of the world’s most extensive behind-the-meter initiatives. The project will involve laying a dedicated cable to the Middle Arm precinct, distinct from Darwin’s existing grid, which has a modest peak load of approximately 300 MW.
Quinbrook’s focus is currently on the domestic generation fields, the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link spanning 800 km to Darwin, and the interconnections to Middle Arm and the export terminal.
The subsequent phase, known as the Singapore Link, will concentrate on a lengthy subsea cable spanning 4,300 km through Indonesian waters to the offloading facility in Singapore, facilitating integration with the Singaporean grid.
Allan highlighted the project’s potential to foster the growth of green industries in Darwin, aligning with the city’s objective of establishing a £40 billion green economy.
He underscored the urgency of seizing the opportunity presented by Australia’s conducive environment for renewable energy development, stressing the need to act swiftly to secure a competitive position in emerging markets.
Time is of the essence, with other nations vying for a foothold in the renewable energy sector and leveraging policy support to drive industry growth. Australia must capitalise on its resources and infrastructure to capitalise on these burgeoning markets.
