The Northern Territory is actively pursuing green energy initiatives to support its sustainable development goals. The vision is to establish a significant renewable energy capacity, aiming to contribute substantially to the National Electricity Market (NEM).  Options include the development of wind, solar and hydrogen energy supply sources balanced with gas to optimise grid stability and ensure security of supply.  The strategy is designed to capitalise on the Territory’s unique advantages.

The utilisation of hydrogen presents an opportunity for sustainable growth and reduced carbon emissions.  To facilitate the establishment of hydrogen as part of a green energy portfolio, it is imperative to understand the water availability across the Northern Territory, as water supply forms a foundational aspect of green hydrogen production.

Water Technology (formerly Innovative Groundwater Solutions) were engaged by the Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics to undertake a high-level desktop assessment of water availability to help determine the opportunities for hydrogen production as a component of the Northern Territory’s green energy network.

Desktop reviews of the regional geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, and aquifer systems were undertaken.  This enabled a review of water sources and subsequent ranking to determine areas of higher potential water availability, or prospectivity.

The potential to utilise innovative solutions like desalination, managed aquifer recharge and the re-use of wastewater was also identified to meet the water demands of hydrogen production which could also provide additional opportunities for regional development.

This initial strategic, high-level evaluation of water resources in the Northern Territory helped to guide next steps in the investigations for the development of a green energy network.