Territory Energy Link is a proposed 670km corridor that will connect major energy projects in the Beetaloo Sub-basin to the proposed Middle Arm Precinct and other strategic infrastructure in Darwin. 

The corridor will accommodate buried services such as gas, water, optical fibre and hydrogen, with capacity to support additional utilities as demand evolves. 

The Territory Energy Link is part of the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to rebuilding the economy and supporting regional growth and investment, with the corridor anticipated to attract private enterprises looking to invest, expand and operate in the region. 

A prefeasibility study completed in 2024 identified a preliminary alignment which takes into consideration existing infrastructure, avoids known constraints and minimises environmental and cultural impacts. 

The project is now in the feasibility phase which involves investigating and surveying a 530 metre-wide study corridor to determine the final 130 metre-wide alignment. 

The corridor is projected to be development-ready by 2028. 

While industry will build the corridor infrastructure, the Northern Territory Government will de-risk investment by securing the tenure and operating and managing the land. This includes engagement, planning, studies and approvals. 

Department of Logistics and Infrastructure Project Director Rowan Reilly said delivering a consolidated infrastructure corridor will enable the government to coordinate future development in an efficient and cost-effective way for industry while reducing environmental, social and cultural impacts. 

Rowan said the Territory Energy Link will allow future infrastructure to be delivered more efficiently and with fewer impacts. 

“Territory Energy Link is not just a gas pipeline,” he said. 

“It is key to activating the world-class potential of the Beetaloo Sub-basin, and unlocking other significant private sector projects and investments, both in the energy sector and beyond. 

“These projects have the potential to bring not just energy security but also tens of billions of dollars in economic activity and thousands of jobs to the Territory through construction and operations. 

These opportunities will arise across the Territory in our regional and remote communities – not just in Darwin.” 

With current estimates of around 500 trillion cubic feet of gas, the Beetaloo Sub-basin sits alongside the world’s largest shale gas basins, comparable in scale to major North American regions like the Marcellus, Haynesville and the gas-rich zones of the Permian. This places it firmly within the world’s top tier of gas resources, and among the largest undeveloped shale basins anywhere on the planet. 

It is no wonder the Northern Territory energy sector is forecast to contribute to the future energy needs of not only the Territory but Australia and the wider Indo-Pacific region. 

Australian Energy Producers Director Northern Territory and South Australia, David Slama said the Territory Energy Link was critical to the Northern Territory’s long-term energy security and economic growth. 

“Confidence and momentum is growing in the Beetaloo Sub-basin as investment in infrastructure to support industry progresses,” he said. 

“The Northern Territory’s gas needs to get to market, and Territory Energy Link will provide certainty for industry. The coordinated and proactive approach by the NT Government in delivering Territory Energy Link shows the Territory is open for business. 

“The Beetaloo presents an incredibly large economic opportunity for the NT – paying royalties directly to the NTG.” 

Rowan said: “Territory Energy Link also offers a long-term strategic land use planning and future-proofing solution for new linear infrastructure assets that the Territory may need in 10, 20, 50 or 100 years’ time.” 

The Northern Territory Government plans to develop an appropriate commercial model and public governance model for the ownership and management of Territory Energy Link. It is a priority of the Northern Territory Government to consult with impacted landowners and the broader community, and collaborate with industry to ensure proponents have fair and reasonable access to the Territory Energy Link. 

To view the proposed alignment or for more information, go to infrastructure.nt.gov.au/ territory-energy-link