The Solar Energy Transformation Program (SETuP) program managed by Power and Water achieved a significant milestone today with the completion and commissioning of ten Tranche One solar installations.
The innovative program has delivered the first phase of the wide-scale rollout of 10 MW of solar systems across 10 of 28 remote aboriginal communities to result in 15% of diesel savings.
Solar SETuP’s Tranche One completion will generate 3.325MW contributing power to ten remote Aboriginal communities through 10,000 solar panels and will save over one million litres of fuel per year.
The $55 million Solar SETuP program is jointly funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Northern Territory Government, reducing diesel reliance by 15 per cent while saving 94 million litres of diesel over the lifetime of the program.
Power and Water’s Chief Executive Michael Thomson is thrilled to have reached the program milestone.
“The completion of Solar SETuP Tranche One is on the trajectory to transform the way energy is supplied with hybrid solar/diesel power generation. The state of the art installation of integrated electricity supply will reduce emissions and local pollution with fewer fuel trucks and barges visiting the communities. Solar SETuP installations in unique and vast environments demonstrate how remote communities are paving the way to create a more reliable, cleaner, greener future for the Northern Territory.”
Power and Water’s project management involves a strong commitment to local community engagement throughout the pre and post construction process to increase local ownership. Aboriginal locals were engaged in undertaking flora and fauna surveys, fencing installation and construction.
Local construction contractor for all of Tranche One, Territoria Civil John Holland, employed 16 locals during the rollout of the solar installation and one Maningrida local continues employment with Territoria Civil.
Robert Wilson, General Manager of Territoria Civil is very pleased to be involved in such a large scale solar project.
“Throughout the project, we aimed to engage as many locals as possible. Over 12 months, we transported 10000 solar panels by road to the sites to install until fully commissioned. Power and Water’s Solar SETuP’s Tranche One completion significantly changes the delivery of essential services to remote communities.”
Contact: Media Team
Phone: 0401117599
