Affordable, clean and reliable energy has been highlighted in the Northern Territory’s 2021 Budget through a number of investments.
The Budget will see the continuation of the successful Home and Business Battery Scheme, creating further jobs for Territorians and stability to the grid.
A further $2.8 million has been allocated to extend the scheme, which is expected to allow more than 460 homes and businesses to access the program.
The Home and Business Battery Scheme provides Territory homeowners and businesses with $6,000 grants to either:
- Buy and install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system with an eligible battery or inverter, or
- Buy and install an eligible battery and inverter, to complement an existing solar PV system
The first round of grants has enabled more Territorians to make the switch to renewable technology while also delivering stable, reliable and affordable power for families and Territory businesses.
Northern Territory Minister for Renewables and Energy, Eva Lawler, said, “We want Territorians to have access to the latest and best technology as we build a stronger and more resilient power system for Territory households and businesses.
“Budget 21-22 sees the Territory focus on renewables – supporting our grid and reaching our 50 per cent target by 2030. We want clean and affordable power for all Territorians.
“Extending the Home and Business Battery scheme is one way this government is creating stability in our grid and creating more jobs for Territorians.
“Local businesses and local families are benefiting from this scheme – whether it’s receiving the work now to install the PV and Battery system, or saving on their electricity bill in the future – this is a win-win for the Territory.”
More than 700 Territorian households and businesses have applied for the scheme, with over 510 applications approved worth $3 million in grant funding.
Spread out right across the Territory, the total value of approved works is $10.1 million.
Installing a battery means that rather than exporting electricity into the grid, the household or business is able to store the electricity for future use, a major cost saving measure.
Other renewables Budget 21-22 measures include $2 million over the next two financial years to further the Renewable Remote Power Program, including the $1 million Remote Hydrogen program, which will:
- Develop an open and contestable delivery framework to facilitate around $400 million of private investment in remote power system services to communities supplied by Indigenous Essential Services
- This initiative is targeting an aggregate 70 per cent renewables penetration in communities and will canvass investor interest in innovative renewable energy technologies, such as renewable hydrogen
Along with the extending the Home and Business Battery scheme, the Northern Territory Government is well underway with the procurement for a $30 million, 35MW Battery Energy Storage System for the Darwin to Katherine power system, and $6.6 million towards the Renewable Remote Power Program, beginning with a pilot program to replace the diesel power supply at Wurrumiyanga with renewable technology.
