Australia has moved a major step forward in renewable energy with the approval of a groundbreaking $19 billion (30 billion Australian dollars) solar project. The initiative, led by Australian company Sun Cable, has received the necessary environmental clearances to proceed with its ambitious plans.

The project, known as the Australia-Asia PowerLink, involves the construction of a massive 12,400-hectare solar farm in northern Australia. From this site, electricity will be transmitted 800 kilometers (497 miles) to Darwin via an overhead power line, and then transported through a 4,300-kilometer (2,672-mile) submarine cable to supply industrial users in Singapore.

This venture aims to deliver up to six gigawatts of green electricity annually. The project is expected to enhance Australia's role in the global renewable energy sector and provide a significant boost to its economy.

Originally championed by Australian entrepreneurs Andrew Forrest and Mike Cannon-Brookes, the project encountered financial difficulties in early 2023, leading Sun Cable into voluntary administration. However, by mid-2023, Cannon-Brookes’ Grok Ventures successfully acquired the company, finalizing the deal in September.

Sun Cable is now preparing to move forward with the next planning phases, aiming for a Final Investment Decision by 2027. The company projects that electricity deliveries will begin in the early 2030s.

The approval of this project comes amidst ongoing debates in Australia about its energy future and greenhouse gas emissions. The country, which has long relied on coal and gas, has faced scrutiny for its high per capita emissions. Recently, the opposition party proposed building the nation's first nuclear power plants, highlighting the contentious debate over energy policies.

This contrast in energy strategies underscores the broader national discussion on transitioning to renewable energy versus exploring nuclear options as solutions to environmental challenges.