Jabiru Readying For Renewable Energy

While there’s still much uncertainty about the future of the Northern Territory mining town of Jabiru, it will be one powered by at least 50% renewables.

Situated around 250 kilometres east of Darwin and 300 kilometres north of Katherine, Jabiru was constructed in the early 1980’s to service Energy Resources of Australia’s (ERA’s) Ranger uranium mine located 8 kilometres east of Jabiru. The town and the mine are surrounded by Kakadu National Park.

ERA is ceasing processing of uranium ore at Ranger very early next year, and must complete all decommissioning and rehabilitation works by 2026.

As for what lays ahead for the town, it’s envisioned it will become an indigenous-run tourism destination, services hub and cultural center.

Regardless of how it evolves from here, the town will need reliable electricity. Jabiru’s electricity is currently supplied by ERA from diesel generators at the Ranger uranium mine. Obviously, this won’t be continuing for a whole lot longer.

The Northern Territory’s Gunner Government said yesterday electricity network upgrades were under way at Jabiru. The $10 million set aside for the task will ensure the town’s electricity network is ready for new generation supplied by a hybrid power station. What that will comprise of isn’t clear, but it will have a renewable energy component of at least 50%, in line with the Northern Territory Government’s target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

Power Station To Be Built In 2021

The call for Expressions of Interest for the power station closed a year ago and little has been said since regarding the makeup of the power station – but it’s a fairly safe bet that solar power will be involved.

There’s not much in the way of solar panels in Jabiru currently, probably due to most of the houses being owned by ERA. As at the end of October, there were around 10 small-scale solar installations in Jabiru and the 0886 postcode area, with a collective capacity of 152 kW. There is a significant amount of solar energy generation potential just from rooftops of buildings in the postcode area according to the Australian Photovoltaic Institute (APVI), which pegs potential capacity at 10,849 kW. But that may include structures at Ranger and apparently, quite a few of the houses in Jabiru are vacant and not in the best shape.

The Gunner Government said yesterday the major procurement process for Jabiru’s power station will be finalised in the New Year, with the facility to be up and running by the end of next year.

“Jabiru has the potential to be a real draw card for Territorians and visitors alike,” said NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner. “The Territory Labor Government’s ongoing investment in critical services and infrastructure is helping the township get there, to ensure it prospers sustainably for years to come.”

The electricity network upgrades are part of the Gunner Government’s $135.5 million investment in the town, aspects of which also include a new education precinct, a multi-use health clinic and rollout of the NBN. It’s a big bundle of cash for a town of around a thousand people that should create confidence among its residents, but quite a few have reportedly decided to pack their bags.