Sun Cable, a renewable energy company owned by tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes, has received approval from the Australian government to build a $20 billion undersea cable that will deliver solar-generated electricity from Darwin to Singapore. The project, known as the Australia-Asia Power Link, aims to deliver over 20 gigawatts of electricity by 2030 from a solar farm in northern Australia to customers in Darwin and Singapore, making it one of the largest solar facilities in the world. Tanya Plibersek, minister for the environment and water of Australia, described the project as a “generation-defining piece of infrastructure” that will position Australia as a global leader in green energy.
While Sun Cable has secured approval from the Australian government, it still needs approvals from indigenous groups in Australia, as well as from the governments of Singapore and Indonesia. The company is now focusing on the next stage of planning to advance the project towards a final investment decision targeted by 2027. Cannon-Brookes, who is also the co-founder and co-CEO of Atlassian, a collaboration software company, has a net worth of $10.7 billion and has been increasing his investments in renewable energy and funding philanthropic efforts to combat climate change. In addition to his stake in Sun Cable, he also has an interest in Australian utility company AGL Energy.
The Australia-Asia Power Link project represents a significant step towards achieving renewable energy targets and combating climate change on a global scale. With the potential to deliver clean electricity to customers in Darwin and Singapore, this project has the capacity to revolutionize the way energy is generated and distributed in the region. By harnessing the power of the sun in northern Australia, Sun Cable is paving the way for a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.
The approval of the Australia-Asia Power Link project marks a major milestone for Sun Cable and its efforts to develop renewable energy infrastructure in Australia and beyond. As the largest solar precinct in the world, this project has the potential to set a new standard for green energy projects and establish Australia as a leader in the transition towards clean and sustainable energy sources. This massive undertaking will require collaboration with various stakeholders, including indigenous groups, governments, and investors, to ensure its successful implementation and operation.
The involvement of prominent figures like Mike Cannon-Brookes in the Australia-Asia Power Link project highlights the growing interest and investment in renewable energy technologies and solutions. As an influential advocate for sustainability and climate action, Cannon-Brookes’ support for Sun Cable and other clean energy initiatives underscores the importance of transitioning towards renewable energy sources to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce carbon emissions. With a focus on innovation and environmental stewardship, projects like the Australia-Asia Power Link are integral to achieving a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure for the future.
Looking ahead, the Australia-Asia Power Link project is poised to make a significant impact on the energy landscape in Australia and Asia, offering a scalable and efficient solution for delivering clean energy to a growing population. By leveraging the abundant solar resources in northern Australia and utilizing undersea cable technology to transmit electricity over long distances, Sun Cable is pioneering a new model for renewable energy generation and distribution that has the potential to transform the way we power our cities and communities. With continued support and investment, projects like the Australia-Asia Power Link have the capacity to drive meaningful change and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
