Billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes Supports Australia’s Plan for World’s Biggest Solar and Battery Farm Valued at $24 Billion

Australia has taken a significant step toward becoming a global leader in renewable energy with the approval of a monumental solar and battery farm in the country’s remote north. The project, spearheaded by SunCable and valued at $24 billion, has been touted as the largest solar precinct ever conceived, aimed at exporting clean energy to Singapore.

Government officials announced that the project had received environmental clearance, which paves the way for the creation of an immense complex of solar panels and battery storage systems. Once fully operational, this facility is expected to generate enough power to meet the needs of three million Australian homes.

The project is supported by tech billionaire and environmental advocate Mike Cannon-Brookes, and it will include a subsea cable to deliver electricity to Singapore, supplying around 15% of the city-state’s energy requirements. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek emphasized that the project would establish Australia as a global leader in green energy, marking a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy ambitions.

SunCable’s Managing Director, Cameron Garnsworthy, called the approval a “landmark moment” for the initiative but acknowledged that several more approvals and processes would need to be navigated. These include agreements with Singapore’s energy market authority, the Indonesian government, and consultations with Indigenous communities in Australia.

As global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels intensify, Australia remains a major coal and gas exporter. Yet, the nation is increasingly recognized for its vast potential in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind. Although renewable sources accounted for only 32% of Australia’s electricity in 2022, the momentum is building. Experts like Ken Baldwin from the Australian National University highlighted the need for Australia to continue expanding its renewable capacity rapidly if it hopes to meet its net zero targets by 2050.

Baldwin pointed out that while Australia has made significant strides in solar and wind installations, much more investment is needed. He projected that the country would need about 100 gigawatts of solar and wind capacity by the 2030s to meet its climate goals, with the SunCable project contributing four gigawatts to this total.

The project’s potential to create thousands of jobs and address the country’s energy shortfall has been praised, with Climate Council chief Amanda McKenzie describing the solar hub as a pivotal move in transforming Australia into a “clean energy powerhouse.” She emphasized that such initiatives are vital for delivering affordable energy and significantly reducing climate pollution.

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