Territorians expect secure, reliable and affordable power.
This week the Territory Labor Government released the Darwin – Katherine Electricity System Plan, which will deliver affordable, reliable, cleaner and secure energy to Territorians.
To further stabilise our grid and lower our emissions, the plan looks at cost effective renewable solutions to generate power for Territorians.
One of the first aspects of the System Plan is for Territory Generation to undergo a Fleet Transition, to assets that are flexible, hydrogen capable, fast-starting, and mobile to complement the existing power system.
Under the Fleet Transition, Territory Generation has purchased a TM2500 mobile aeroderivative gas turbine from international company General Electrics for Channel Island Power Station. The hydrogen-capable TM2500 generator will renew 22 megawatts to the power system and can start in less than 10 minutes.
Territory Generation is undertaking its Fleet Transition over the coming years with the first new generator, the TM2500, expected to arrive in early 2022. Some legacy assets will be retained in standby condition to ensure adequate generation capacity is maintained and to facilitate response to growth opportunities for the Territory’s industrial sector.
The Fleet Transition will be carried out in a cost-effective and staged process that will not impact electricity supply. Forecasts estimates the transition will significantly reduce carbon emissions and optimise costs for the power system.
In recent years, significant investment has been made in modern, high speed, reciprocating gas units in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek that positions them well for baseload generation.
It was also recently announced that the new Power and Water Alice Springs Power System Demand Forecasting tool has been made live. This additional tool supports System Control and Territory Generation to manage grid stability by monitoring cloud cover.
Quotes from the Minister for Renewables and Energy, Eva Lawler:
“Territorians expect secure, reliable and affordable power. This week we launched the Darwin – Katherine Electricity System plan which will reform the way we deliver electricity to the 150,000 customers on the grid. It will deliver 50% renewables by 2030 to deliver cheaper, cleaner power.
“The Fleet Transition will facilitate the increasing levels of renewable energy penetration and enable Territory Generation to continue to support the Government’s 50% renewable energy target, while also maintaining and increasing stability on our grid.
“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, with these new generators being hydrogen-capable and renewing 22 megawatts to the grid and can start in less than 10 minutes.”
Quotes from Territory Generation CEO, Gerhard Laubscher:
“Territory Generation’s planned Fleet Transition will be efficient and flexible to further support renewables and maximise value to the Territory.
“Territory Generation’s Fleet Transition is an adaptable investment approach that facilitates the Northern Territory’s ability to pivot with technological, industry and market developments.”
Northern Territory Government
