SunCable eyes island site
High-power cabling for solar farms could be manufactured in Tasmania.
SunCable, an Australian renewable energy company led by billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes, has selected Tasmania as the preferred site for an advanced cable manufacturing facility.
The company initially partnered with Andrew Forrest on the $30 billion SunCable project, aimed at creating the world's largest solar energy infrastructure network. However, Cannon-Brookes took control of the project in May.
The proposed cable plant in Tasmania is part of SunCable's ambitious renewable energy plans, which include a massive solar farm in the Northern Territory, with energy to be sent to Singapore via an undersea cable.
The proposed facility will involve a 180-200-metre high tower for vertical manufacturing, potentially more than twice the height of Tasmania's tallest building.
Tasmania was chosen as the site for its excellent infrastructure, access to renewable power, skilled workforce, and community support.
The project is expected to bring a $2 billion capital investment, inject approximately $350 million into the economy annually, and create 800 jobs during construction and 400 jobs during operation.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says the state successfully competed with 30 other locations worldwide, and sees this as a significant opportunity.
Community consultation and regulatory approval processes are expected to begin, with a focus on local employment opportunities and transparent communication with the community.
SunCable says it aims to start construction in 2025 and cable production by 2029, aligning with Australia's renewable energy goals.