Australia has officially approved SunCable’s ambitious Australia-Asia Power Link (AAPowerLink), a $13.5 billion solar power project that will export renewable energy from the Northern Territory to Singapore via a 4,300 km undersea cable.

The project has cleared a significant hurdle with approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek emphasized the project’s strict adherence to environmental standards, highlighting the importance of protecting local wildlife, including the habitat of the greater bilby, a native marsupial.

“Today’s announcement is a vote of confidence in the project and SunCable itself as responsible stewards of the local Northern Territory environment,” said Cameron Garnsworthy, SunCable Australia’s Managing Director.

This project, one of the largest to receive EPBC Act approval, is set to inject more than AUD $20 billion into the Northern Territory’s economy over the next few decades. It’s expected to create up to 14,300 jobs during peak construction and transform the region into a hub for green industry.

SunCable’s founder, billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes, sees this as a pivotal moment in Australia’s renewable energy journey. “The project is viable and will attract significant outside investment,” he stated.

SunCable is now moving towards a Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2027, with plans to start electricity supply in the early 2030s. The project will not only power industries in Darwin but will also export sustainable electricity to Singapore, making it a cornerstone of Australia’s renewable energy strategy.

By securing these environmental approvals and progressing towards the next phase, AAPowerLink is on track to become a nation-defining project, enabling Australia to lead in the global transition to green energy.