BE Power, through its strategic partnership with Merricks Capital, has developed and constructed two power projects in the Northern Territory, Australia. The projects, a 12.5 MW solar farm and a 15 MW gas-fuelled co-generation plant near Darwin, were both delivered on schedule and within the set budget parameters, despite the operational challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The gas-fuelled co-generation plant is designed to produce around 136,000 MWh of electricity to serve the Northern Territory’s demand. As the Asset Manager for both stations, BE Power manages the daily operations and maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and financial returns. These stations are distinctive as the first non-government owned, grid-scale power stations in the Northern Territory, representing a new era of energy infrastructure development in the region facilitated by private investment.
Hudson Creek Power Station
The Hudson Creek Power Station, a 12.4MW gas-fueled plant in Darwin, Northern Territory, will generate 104 GWh annually with 25% fewer emissions than average NT gas assets. As the region’s first privately-owned grid-connected gas plant, it will boost grid stability and provide competitively priced energy to Rimfire Energy under a 15-year agreement, benefiting consumers and businesses alike. A potential expansion could add 12.4 MW more capacity.
Batchelor Solar Farm
The Batchelor Solar Farm, a 10MW solar power plant in Batchelor, Northern Territory, is set to generate 27.7 GWh annually upon completion. This greenfield project will increase generation capacity in the Darwin-Katherine network and help the NT Government reach its 50% renewable energy target by 2030. Rimfire Energy, a local private electricity retailer, will purchase all energy produced under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement, ensuring competitive pricing.