A $20 billion plan to build a large solar farm in the Northern Territory has been given major project status by the Territory government.
Sun Cable's Australia-Singapore Power Link is a 10 gigawatt solar farm along with a 20-30 gigawatt-hour storage facility near Tennant Creek.
It will provide energy to the Darwin and Singapore markets through proposed long-term supply agreements.
The project has the potential to create 1000 jobs during the construction phase and 300 operational jobs.
Major development status allows for a Project Development Agreement to be negotiated between the NT government and Sun Cable to provide the framework for the proposal to secure all necessary approvals.
As part of that, Sun Cable will be required to prepare an environmental impact statement and a Territory benefit plan.
"The Northern Territory has an incredible opportunity to lead the world as a renewable energy hub and seizing this opportunity will deliver thousands of local jobs," Chief Minister Michael Gunner said.
"We have the guaranteed cloud-free days, the land and a government with the vision to make it happen."
Mr Gunner said providing the project with major development status was an important step for a development with the potential to enhance the region's reputation around the world as a place to do business and invest.
"Not only does it announce the Territory as a major world player for renewable energy exports, but also a future where clean, cheap, reliable energy creates local jobs," he said.
