SYDNEY (BLOOMBERG) - Australia granted "major project status" to an ambitious A$22 billion (S$21.7 billion) plan to export power from a giant solar farm in the country's north to South-east Asia via undersea cable. The Australia-Asean Power Link envisions connecting the world's largest solar farm and battery system in Australia's Northern Territory to Singapore and Indonesia via a 3,700 kilometre undersea cable. The high-profile boost by the Australian government contrasts with the relatively muted interest from Singapore, which is expected to be its main customer. Sun Cable says the project can supply a fifth of Singapore's power needs, helping to reduce the city-state's reliance on natural gas imports. Related Story $20b plan to supply solar power from Australia to SingaporeThe major project status will provide the Sun Cable project with government support that includes a single entry point for national approvals and assistance with state and territory approvals.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 29, 2020 03:42 UTC