Australia’s Darwin airport goes solar

August 9, 2016
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
It is expected to meet up to 100% of the airport’s peak energy demand in the middle of the day and to generate 25% of the airport’s overall energy needs. Flickr: Ken Hodge

Darwin international Airport has started to use power from a 4MW solar PV solar array developed by Northern Territory-based firm CAT projects.

The first stage of the array will provide a significant amount of the airport’s energy usage, with another 1.5MW due to be installed within stage two by the end of this year.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Private sector investor Northern Territory Airports has invested AU$13 million (US$9.97 million) in the project.

Stage 1, which started construction last December, comprises 15,000 solar panels over six hectares and will produce electricity equivalent to the consumption of 1,000 households.

It is expected to meet up to 100% of the airport’s peak energy demand in the middle of the day and to generate 25% of the airport’s overall energy needs. It is also forecast to reduce the airport’s power bills by AU$1.5 million per year, based on current peak tariff rates.

UGL was in charge of EPC.

Read Next

November 18, 2025
The 94MW Gunsynd Solar Farm has been registered in AEMO's Market Management System as the Queensland project prepares for commissioning.
November 17, 2025
Renewable energy developer SunCable has signed an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the Powell Creek Native Title Holders, marking a milestone for the company’s AAPowerLink project in Australia's Northern Territory.
November 14, 2025
NSW has removed regulatory barriers that previously prevented owners of heritage-listed properties from installing rooftop solar.
November 13, 2025
QIC and EDP Renewables Australia have signed an agreement to develop a 400MWac solar-plus-storage project in Toowoomba, Queensland.
November 13, 2025
Building a solar manufacturing supply chain has become a "strategic imperative" for Australia, Stellar PV CEO Louise Hurll told PV Tech.
Premium
November 13, 2025
PV Talk: Stellar PV has been awarded government funding for its plan to open a solar ingot and wafer plant in Australia. The company’s CEO Louise Hurll tells Shreeyashi Ojha why the time is right for Australia to develop its upstream manufacturing capacity.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA