Solar and storage included in $122 million remote community utilities upgrade

The Mutitjulu community inside the borders of the Northern Territory‘s (NT’s) Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park will receive a 1 MW solar array and 3 MWh battery energy storage system, as part of a $122 million (USD 84.5 million) federal government utilities upgrade.

The community includes 300 Anangu people, the Traditional Owners of Uluru, along with Parks Australia staff and others who live and work in the community, located 1,963 kilometres south of Darwin.

The solar array and battery storage will help make the town more sustainable and reduce dependence on diesel fuel, which as of 27 September 2026, was in excess of $3.14 per litre in regional NT.

Works are scheduled to begin in late October 2026 and be completed towards the end of 2028. The projects also include upgrades to ageing water and sewerage networks for which training and employment for community members will be made available.

The project contract has now been awarded to South Australia-based construction company Exact Contracting.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said the project will make a big difference to the region.

“Bringing renewable energy to Muṯitjulu will reduce reliance on diesel fuel and help deliver more reliable power for families into the future,” McCarthy said.

“The delivery of works will be planned and carried out in close consultation with local residents, so it closely reflects the needs and wants of the community.”

Special Envoy for Remote Communities, and Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour said existing essential services at Mutitjulu are over 30 years old.

“This is a massive undertaking, and has been a long time coming, so it’s great that contractors are now able to get on with the job,” Scrymgour said. “Functioning essential services are critically important for maintaining health, safety and living standards in remote communities.”