NT green path questioned
The Northern Territory's push for large-scale solar investment has been criticised by one of its architects.
The NT wants renewables to help it meet its 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030, but the goal could be hindered by demanding regulations.
Despite constructing four solar farms, all remain offline due to impractical generator standards.
The architect of the Territory’s renewables roadmap, Alan Langworthy, has cautioned that the new standards, requiring costly battery integration, make the plan unrealistic.
The government-owned Jacana Energy's recent call for more solar farms has been met with scepticism from Langworthy.
He warned potential investors would grapple with network uncertainties. The standards, differing from the rest of Australia, burden solar producers with battery costs.
ENI Australia, owning inactive solar farms, has cited costs exceeding $40 million for upgrades.
Minister Eva Lawler has defended the requirement for battery storage for grid stability.
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