World’s longest subsea cable to deliver solar power from Australia to Singapore

EcoNews highlights in its article that the Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPowerLink) is set to revolutionize the renewable energy landscape, connecting the solar-rich regions of northern Australia to the energy-hungry city-state of Singapore. 

Imagine a community where the abundant sunlight of Australia’s vast outback powers millions of homes and industries across Southeast Asia. This is the vision behind the Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPowerLink), the world’s longest undersea cable.

Connecting northern Australia to Singapore, it stands as one of the most groundbreaking renewable energy projects. With its enormous solar farm and cutting-edge energy transmission technology, this bold initiative is set to transform global energy systems while tackling key climate challenges.

Taking full advantage of its abundant sunlight, northern Australia is home to the world’s largest Solar Precinct in the Northern Territory, generating a peak electricity capacity of 17-20 GW, which surpasses the output of Australia’s largest coal-fired power station. 

The project also features advanced storage capabilities of 36-42 GWh, supplying 800 MW to Darwin and 1.75 GW to Singapore. Not only does it help lower emissions and reduce electricity costs for the Darwin region, but it also creates a renewable energy export market, demonstrating how solar-rich areas can meet both local and global energy demands, including 15% of Singapore’s electricity needs.

The AAPowerLink is an impressive 4,200 km subsea HVDC cable, the longest of its kind to transmit energy across both land and sea, delivering solar power from Australia to Singapore. Built with durable protective layers, including copper, polyethylene, lead alloy, and galvanized steel, the cable is designed for long-term reliability.

Careful planning and specialized vessels will be required to lay the cable on the seabed, navigating through multiple exclusive economic zones. The use of HVDC technology is essential for minimizing energy loss over such long distances, making this ambitious project a feasible solution for providing renewable energy to a highly urbanized world.

AAPowerLink transforms solar technology into a major economic opportunity, creating a groundbreaking connection between energy-rich regions and high-demand areas. By offsetting 8.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, it proves the viability of importing renewable energy over long distances. This marks a significant step towards showcasing Australia’s leadership in clean energy transitions and unlocking new economic prospects.

By 2027, AAPowerLink will demonstrate that global energy solutions are within reach. Described as a "World’s Best Practice" in sustainable development, this project connects renewable energy-rich areas with energy-consuming regions, proving that long-distance renewable energy transmission is feasible. Australia’s pioneering efforts not only lead the clean energy charge but also foster economic growth. 

A true engineering marvel, the Australia-Asia PowerLink is set to address the energy crisis of our time. Connecting Australia’s solar-rich outback with Singapore’s growing energy needs, it exemplifies how renewable energy can transform the world. Construction is underway for the project’s 2027 completion, laying the foundation for a sustainable future built on technology, cooperation, and global interconnectedness.

By Naila Huseynova