NT’s CLP-led government won’t be pursuing the 50% renewables goal for 2030 as set by the previous administration
The plan has been scrapped, citing costly infrastructure upgrades that will lead to higher electricity costs
The new administration says it is planning a pragmatic approach centered around affordability, reliability and security
The new Country Liberal Party (CLP)-led Government of Northern Territory (NT) in Australia has scrapped the 50% renewable energy target by 2030, as targeted by the previous Labor government.
It says pursuing this target will now cost up to AUD 5 billion ($3 billion) since, in its 8 years in power, the Labor government managed to bring the share of renewable energy to less than 20% in 2024.
“If we continue with Labor’s reckless pursuit of a 50% renewable energy target by 2030 without the necessary investment and planning, it won’t just be an ideological issue—it will require substantial infrastructure upgrades that will lead to higher electricity costs, an increased risk of blackouts, and greater instability across the electricity network,” said the NT Minister for Mining and Energy and Minister for Renewables, Gerard Maley.
Instead, Maley said that his government is taking a ‘responsible and pragmatic’ long-term approach to energy reform. This will be based around affordability, security, and reliability.
While Maley did not share any specific details of the government’s energy plan for the territory in his statement, among its measures is the plan to expand large-scale solar and battery storage to reduce the cost of electricity while maintaining grid stability.
It will also invest strategically in energy infrastructure to address forecasted energy supply shortfalls.
NT is home to several large-scale solar and storage projects, including SunCable’s Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPL) that envisions 20 GW solar PV and 42 GWh of battery storage capacity in the Darwin region (see Environmental Clearance For World’s Largest Planned Solar & Storage Project).
Another Darwin Renewable Energy Hub with up to 210 MW solar energy and battery energy storage systems (BESS) capacity is expected to supply reliable and clean electricity for homes and businesses (see Public Consultation For Up To 210 MW Solar & Storage System In Australia).