Northern Territory Abandons 50% Renewable Energy Goal, Cites $5 Billion Expense

March 27, 2025 TruthUSA

The government expressed concerns about the increasing power prices and grid stability.

The Northern Territory has eliminated the former Labor government’s renewable energy target due to the high cost of $5 billion.

The current Country Liberal Party (CLP) government, headed by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, cited insufficient infrastructure investment, along with escalating power prices and grid instability, as reasons for scrapping the 2030 target.

Previously, under the Labor government, 50 percent of the Territory’s energy would have come from renewable sources.

Currently, renewables make up about 20 percent of energy generation.

According to the CLP, implementing the target would set the Territory back $5 billion, a cost that households would have to bear—equivalent to $56,000 per home, as per retailer Jacana Energy.

“If we do not make these changes, Territorians would face the highest power prices in the country,” stated Minister for Energy Gerard Maley.

The government has also taken steps to cap retail power prices and invest in solar and battery storage development.

The government is also optimistic that the development of the Beetaloo Sub-basin can supply more gas to support energy requirements.

The Territory Labor Party was reached out to for a comment.

The CLP’s decision coincides with the Queensland Liberal National Party government’s scrutiny of the state’s renewable energy projects.

In February, the government halted several wind farm projects and applied stricter criteria for their approval.

“For almost ten years, the previous Labor government neglected to engage with Queenslanders on significant renewable projects, which is why the LNP government aimed to provide a voice for local communities,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jarrod Bleijie.

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