The Northern Territory Government has taken a major step towards securing the future of Jabiru releasing a call for Expressions of Interest inviting innovative commercial proposals to build, own and operate a new power station in Jabiru.
This is stage one of a major procurement process, and is one of the flagship projects under the Future of Jabiru program.
The project is expected to attract strong market interest from both the renewable energy and utilities sectors across the Northern Territory and Australia. It will provide jobs, business opportunities and other local benefits to the Territory economy, and will also provide certainty to local businesses and the community in Jabiru.
The call for Expressions of Interest includes a requirement for the project to deliver a renewable energy fraction of at least 50 per cent. This requirement supports the Northern Territory Government’s renewable energy target of 50 per cent by 2030. It also sets the tone for future Jabiru revitalisation projects, in meeting the Mirarr traditional owners’ vision for Jabiru as a vibrant and sustainable National Park town at the heart of Kakadu National Park.
Jabiru’s electricity is currently supplied by Energy Resources Australia (ERA) from diesel generators at the Ranger uranium mine.
The call for Expressions of Interest can be found at https://tendersonline.nt.gov.au/Tender/Details?id=6781 and closes on 17 December 2019.
Quotes from Jodie Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, Department of the Chief Minister:
“The Northern Territory Government is committed to the future of Jabiru and supporting the town’s transition to a vibrant regional services and tourism hub.
“The call for Expressions of Interest for a new power supply for Jabiru is part of the government’s $135.5 million investment and provides certainty to local businesses, the community and the tourism industry.
“This is just one of the steps we are taking to restore Kakadu to its former glory as a world-class tourism destination.”
Media contact:
Sara Trenerry (08) 8999 6770