SunCable Appoints Seasoned Energy Executives to Spearhead Baseload Project
Sun Cable, the company behind the ambitious plan to build the world’s largest battery and storage project in the Northern Territory, has announced the appointment of two senior executives from the solar and gas industries. Cameron Garnsworthy, previously head of Juwi Renewables and FRV Australia, will serve as the managing director of SunCable Australia, while Martin Hay, a former gas industry executive, will take on the role of chief development officer.
The original plan for SunCable was to construct 20 GW of solar PV capacity in the NT, along with up to 42 GWh of battery storage, with a focus on export markets in Singapore and the local green industry in Darwin. However, the project has now been reimagined as a 6 GW baseload, 24/7 renewable electricity initiative. Approximately 4 GW of this capacity will be dedicated to serving potential green industry customers in Darwin, while an additional 1.7 GW of baseload solar power will be transmitted to Singapore via a 4,200 km sub-sea link.
Jeremy Kwong-Law, the head of Grok Ventures, the investment firm owned by billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes and managing his interest in SunCable, expressed confidence in the newly appointed executives’ ability to lead the initial onshore component of the project. The first phase will involve the construction of an 800 km overhead high voltage direct current (HVDC) power line from the renewable energy zone on Powell Creek to Darwin. Garnsworthy and Hay will report to Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, which is overseeing the domestic aspect of the SunCable project.
David Scaysbrook, representing Quinbrook, emphasized the significance of the DarwinLink component, stating that it presents a “genuine superpower opportunity for the Territory and for Australia.” Martin Hay brings a wealth of experience to the team, having held senior leadership positions in Worley, UGL, GHD, Incite Energy, and most recently KBR as Director for Advisory, with a focus on Energy Transition projects.
SunCable has made significant progress in the Northern Territory, achieving key project milestones such as principal approvals, Indigenous Land Use Agreements, procurement packages, and offtake agreements. The company plans to make further milestone announcements in 2024.
Giles Parkinson, founder and editor of Renew Economy, as well as the founder of One Step Off The Grid and The Driven, will continue to provide insightful coverage of the renewable energy sector.
