Australia Approves $13.5 Billion Solar Project to Power Singapore via Undersea Cable

Australia approved a $13.5 billion solar project aimed at supplying renewable energy from a massive solar farm in the north to Singapore through an undersea cable. The project, led by SunCable, is expected to reach final investment decisions in 2027, with electricity supply beginning in the early 2030s.

Australia announced on Wednesday the approval of a groundbreaking A$20 billion ($13.5 billion) solar project designed to transmit energy from a vast solar farm in the country's north to Singapore through a complex 4,300 km undersea cable.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek stated that the SunCable's flagship Australia-Asia power link venture would address the surging demand for renewable energy both domestically and internationally. SunCable anticipates making a final investment decision in 2027, with the goal of commencing electricity supply in the early 2030s.

The approval comes with stringent conditions to safeguard the local ecosystem, particularly the habitat of the greater bilby, a vulnerable marsupial. The project aims to provide up to 6 gigawatts of green energy to industrial customers in Darwin and Singapore over two development stages. Amidst political debates on renewable energy, SunCable's approval is seen as a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions.

(With inputs from agencies.)