The Australian Government is backing major renewable energy projects, creating thousands of jobs and injecting billions into the local economy while supporting the path to net zero. 
 
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres announced Major Project Status has been granted to two nationally significant large-scale developments. 
  
The Northern Silica Project, located North of Cairns, will annually produce 3 to 5 million tonnes of silica sand over 25 years, supporting 120 construction jobs and 90 ongoing roles. The high-purity silica sand mining project will supply essential materials for domestic manufacturing of solar panels, silicon wafers and high-end electronics. 
 
The Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage Project, located offshore northwest of Darwin, will support emissions reductions in hard-to-abate sectors such as metal and chemical refining. The project will potentially enable the development of low-carbon industries in the region, creating 370 construction jobs and 40 ongoing positions.    
 
Major Project Status recognises the strategic and economic significance of a project to a Future Made in Australia and provides companies with extra support to navigate the regulatory system. 

Two existing projects have had their status renewed: 

1. Australia-Asia Power Link (SunCable) solar energy project, based in Darwin, creating more than 1750 jobs during construction and 350 long-term operational jobs. At full capacity, approximately 6GW of power will be available for both domestic and international markets, providing enough energy to power around 4.2 million homes. 

2. Broken Hill Cobalt Blue Project (BHCP) to produce battery grade cobalt chemicals and become the first domestic producer of elemental sulphur. Cobalt Blue aims to be one of the first domestic critical minerals refining operations and provide enough product to make batteries for around 375,000 electric vehicles per year. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres: 
 
“The Albanese Government is modernising Australia’s energy system to bring online affordable and renewable energy. 

“By granting Major Project Status to key renewable energy initiatives, the Australian Government is strengthening its commitments to a cleaner future. 
 
“Backing in renewable energy projects strengthens and diversifies the local supply chain while directly creating regional job opportunities and attracting further investment. 
 
"Granting Major Project Status to these initiatives marks a pivotal step in driving structural economic transformation and regional reindustrialisation, a crucial part of the Albanese Government’s Future Made in Australia strategy."