This report presents a bold future for the Northern Territory: one that is compatible with addressing climate change and the Territory’s need for sustainable economic development. Beyond Zero Emissions demonstrates that the Northern Territory can build 10 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 – 10 times more than the Territory’s current generation capacity, and 20 times more than the current renewable energy target.

This vision puts the Territory at the forefront of the global transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy. This transition is already underway, driven by international climate action and the remarkable fall in the cost of renewable energy. Large-scale solar and wind energy is now the cheapest form of new electricity generation in Australia, and rapidly getting cheaper.

Implementation of the 10 Gigawatt Vision will attract billions in private investment, creating more than 8,000 jobs during a 10-year build-out. But its real potential is as a catalyst for wider, long-lasting economic renewal. Unlike previous capital-intensive projects in the Territory, renewables provide the foundation for permanent jobs in diverse new industries. This strategy will attract new residents as well as boosting NT Government revenue.

This report presents key renewable energy opportunities and provides recommendations for policy reform.