Australia Approves $19B Solar Project to Power Singapore

Australia has given the green light for a $19 billion solar power project aimed at exporting electricity to Singapore. The ambitious Australia-Asia Power Link is expected to generate 6GW of renewable energy, with one-third of this power being transmitted to Singapore via an undersea cable.

What Does the Australia-Asia Power Link Mean for Singapore?

The Australia-Asia Power Link, developed by SunCable and backed by billionaire software entrepreneur and climate advocate Mike Cannon-Brookes, aims to supply up to 15% of Singapore’s energy needs by the early 2030s. The project, once completed, will be a significant step towards the city-state’s goal of diversifying its energy sources and enhancing sustainability.

How Will This Project Impact Australia?

Australia’s Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek highlighted that the massive 12,000-hectare (29,650-acre) solar farm located in the remote Northern Territory will create approximately 14,300 jobs and position Australia as a leader in renewable energy.

Plibersek emphasised that this project is not just a major infrastructure development but a “generation-defining” initiative that could turn Australia into a “renewable energy superpower.”

What Are the Challenges and Next Steps for SunCable?

Despite receiving environmental approval, the project must navigate several other regulatory challenges, including assessments from Singapore and Indonesia. SunCable’s Managing Director, Cameron Garnsworthy, welcomed the government’s decision as a strong endorsement of the project’s potential and the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship in the Northern Territory.

However, the project’s future faced uncertainty last year when SunCable went into voluntary administration due to a disagreement between Cannon-Brookes and fellow billionaire Andrew Forrest over the company’s direction. Cannon-Brookes successfully regained control in May after leading a consortium that acquired the company’s assets

As the political landscape in Australia continues to grapple with energy issues, with coal and gas still dominating electricity generation, the success of this project could significantly influence the country’s renewable energy trajectory.

Although both the governing Labor Party and the opposition Liberal Party are committed to net zero emissions by 2050, they differ on how to achieve this goal. The Liberal Party’s proposal to build nuclear power plants has been met with scepticism by Labour Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who views renewable energy projects like the Australia-Asia Power Link as a more viable path forward.