Australia’s Darwin airport goes solar

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

June 11, 2026
Australia’s Queensland has allocated AU$3.2 billion to the CopperString transmission project in its 2026-27 State Budget.
June 10, 2026
Gamuda Renewables has secured an interest in the 450MW Hazelwood North solar-plus-storage project from Latrobe Valley-based developer Manthos Investments.
June 10, 2026
Australia leads the world in residential rooftop solar, but its commercial and industrial sector has deployed only 5.6GW.
June 9, 2026
Ark Energy has been granted approval by AEMO and Transgrid to connect its 435MW Richmond Valley solar-plus-storage project to the NEM.
June 5, 2026
Lightsource has started construction on Queensland's 380MWdc Lower Wonga solar and 281MW/843MWh battery project.
June 5, 2026
Naturgy's Global Power Generation (GPG) has commissioned two utility-scale solar PV power plants in Australia, totalling 360MW.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 30, 2026
Sacramento, California
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 1, 2026
Mexico City, Mexico
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 9, 2026