Sun Cable gathers Australia-Asia PowerLink team

Sun Cable has revealed the Integrated Project Delivery Team (IPDT) for the Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPowerLink) project.

Bechtel has been appointed for project delivery, Hatch is in charge of the HVDC transmission, SMEC will provide the solar generation system, while March will deliver risk management and PwC Australia project advisory services.

The project will integrate a range of technologies and infrastructure, including one of the world’s largest solar farms to be located in the Northern Territory, Australia, with a capacity of up to 20 GWp, the world’s largest battery with up to 42 GWh, and the world’s longest undersea high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable system with a length of 4,200 km from Darwin to Singapore.

Construction is expected to begin from late 2023, with the first supply of electricity to Darwin in 2026 and the first electricity to Singapore in 2027. Full capacity is anticipated by the end of 2028.

“To secure the support of these globally recognised experts is an important vote of confidence in the significance and feasibility of Sun Cable’s Australia-Asia PowerLink,” said David Griffin, Sun Cable CEO.

“Sun Cable is proud to have the expertise of Bechtel, Hatch, SMEC, Marsh, and PwC Australia reinforcing our team, as we deliver this game-changing infrastructure for Australia, Indonesia and Singapore. This project is designed to significantly accelerate the carbon zero ambitions of the region and we have brought together a dream team to bring it to fruition.”

The Indonesian Government recently recommended the route of the transmission cables through Indonesian waters, with the Ministry of Transportation granting for the route to be surveyed by early 2022.