Jabiru soars into zero emissions future with EDL

Sustainable energy producer EDL has flipped the switch on its Jabiru Hybrid Renewable Power Station, giving the remote Northern Territory township of Jabiru a flying start into its future as an ecologically sustainable tourism and services hub for the region.

EDL CEO James Harman said the new 11.4MW solar-battery-diesel power station had replaced the town’s previous diesel-fuelled electricity supply, and was now providing Jabiru with stable, reliable, low emissions energy.

“During the day, the hybrid power station will draw on 100% solar from the 3.9MW solar farm to supply Jabiru—in the evening, the 3MW/5MWh battery will kick in, with diesel as back up.

“To achieve 100% renewable penetration seamlessly so soon after commissioning the new hybrid power station is testament to the experience and skill of EDL’s project team.”

Over the course of a year, EDL will deliver 50% or more renewable energy, which sets Jabiru well on track to help meet the Northern Territory Government’s 50% renewable energy target by 2030.

The Jabiru Hybrid Renewable Power Station is the fourth successful hybrid renewable project delivered by EDL since 2017.

In particular, the Jabiru project leverages learnings from EDL’s Coober Pedy Hybrid Renewable Power Station, which supplies the remote offgrid town of Coober Pedy with an average of 75% renewable energy over the long term and has achieved 100% renewable energy supply for more than four consecutive days (97 hours).

The Jabiru project is part of the Territory Labor Government’s $135.5 million dollar commitment to the Future of Jabiru and Kakadu package, and is the first project to be completed as part of the transition to a tourism and services hub.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner said: “Jabiru is an iconic Territory town—the gateway to Kakadu National Park and the West Arnhem Region.

“We are investing millions into Jabiru to transform it into the tourism and services hub we know it is well positioned to be.”

Above: Celebrating a clean energy milestone for the Territory (L-R): Territory Investment Commissioner Andy Cowan, Minister for Renewables and Energy Eva Lawler, Chief Minister Michael Gunner, Northern Power Services Director Gordon Jabour and EDL Chief Operating Officer Shane McLaughlin