The Australian government has approved SunCable’s plan, which will cost about $24 billion. It involves the construction of the world’s largest network of solar panels, writes the “Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center” SNOC.
Two-thirds of future battery output will be used for domestic Australian needs, with the remainder sent by cable to Singapore, covering 15% of the city-state’s needs. The project will put Australia at the forefront of green energy.
The solar panels will be installed on an area of 12.4 thousand hectares. The energy obtained from the sun will be transmitted through a cable to Darwin, the capital of Northern Australia, and then to Singapore through a 4.3 thousand km long underwater cable.
Australia is a unique country in that it exports natural resources rather than buys them. These resources include liquid natural gas, coal, iron ore, gold, nickel, and oil.
China is an active buyer of Australian minerals.
47% of Australia’s electricity needs are still met by coal, the “dirtiest” energy source. At the same time, the country is trying to develop alternative energy. Many Australians use solar panels. The mountain ranges of South Australia allow, in addition to solar rays, the active use of wind energy. However, the government still has yet to end traditional energy in a hurry.
Currently, renewable energy sources provide 32% of the country’s needs. The joint project with Singapore is expected to help Australia become an alternative energy superpower and employ 14,300 Australians.
