- Australia has approved the SunCable project, which is set to become the world’s largest solar and battery farm. The farm will export energy to Singapore and supply power to three million homes.
- Valued at US$24 billion, the project will generate up to six gigawatts of energy and aims for a final investment decision by 2027, positioning Australia as a leader in green energy.
Australia has approved plans for what is set to become the world’s largest solar precinct, the SunCable project, which aims to export energy to Singapore. Valued at US$24 billion, this ambitious project will feature a vast array of solar panels, energy storage batteries, and a cable linking Australia with Singapore. It is expected to power up to three million homes and is backed by tech billionaire and environmental advocate Mike Cannon-Brookes.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek hailed the project, emphasising its potential to position Australia as a global leader in green energy. The project, covering 12,000 hectares (29,650 acres) in Australia’s remote north, will initially provide four gigawatts per hour for domestic use, with an additional two gigawatts sent to Singapore via undersea cable. This extra capacity is projected to meet about 15 per cent of Singapore’s energy needs. The storage batteries will have a capacity of about 40 gigawatts.
SunCable Australia’s managing director, Cameron Garnsworthy, described the environmental approval as a “landmark moment” for the project. Despite this significant step forward, the project still faces multiple approval processes, including negotiations with Singapore’s energy market authority and Indonesia’s government and consultations with Australian Indigenous communities.
Cannon-Brookes, a significant supporter of the project, emphasised that the focus will shift to the following planning stages, aiming for a final investment decision by 2027. He also highlighted the project’s broader impact in advancing Australia’s shift towards renewable energy.
Australia, traditionally a major exporter of coal and gas, has faced severe climate-related challenges such as intense heat, floods, and bushfires. Despite high adoption rates of household solar panels, the country has been slow to fully embrace renewable energy on a larger scale. As of 2022, renewables accounted for 32% of Australia’s electricity generation, while coal contributed 47%.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie praised the SunCable project as a crucial step toward establishing Australia as a “clean energy powerhouse.” She stressed the importance of accelerating the deployment of solar and storage solutions, particularly as coal-fired power stations are expected to close shortly.
The SunCable project represents a significant expansion of Cannon-Brookes’ focus from his software company Atlassian to the renewable energy sector, including his recent investment in AGL Energy. The project is pivotal in Australia’s energy transition and its commitment to reducing climate pollution.