Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison from Australia’s Northern Territory recently concluded a week-long visit to India aimed at strengthening business ties between the region and India. The Northern Territory, known for its vast land resources and green hydrogen potential, seeks to export LNG to India and engage Indian nurses to work in the region. Moreover, Manison is looking to promote the export of critical minerals, such as cobalt and germanium, to India. Additionally, the Northern Territory is working on a significant renewable energy project to transmit electricity to Singapore, positioning itself as an energy supplier to ASEAN.
Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison of Australia’s Northern Territory wrapped up her week-long visit to India with a focus on building economic connections between the Northern Territory and India. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize Indians with the potential of the state, which is lesser-known in India.
Addressing the media in India, Manison highlighted that Northern Territory’s primary objective was to strengthen business ties with India and make Indians aware of the region’s potential. The Deputy Chief Minister was particularly interested in exploring the possibility of exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India. During her visit, she had discussions with the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd regarding LNG exports.
The Northern Territory is an Australian state with a vast land area of 1.42 million square kilometers, roughly five times the size of Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, but with only a fraction of the population. It is rich in natural resources, including natural gas and critical minerals. Situated in the north of Australia, it has geographical proximity to Asian markets.
Manison emphasized that the state has approximately 30 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, which have yet to be developed. This underscores Northern Territory’s interest in tapping into the Indian market, given India’s growing energy demands.
The Deputy Chief Minister acknowledged that the Ennore LNG import terminal operated by the Indian Oil Corporation is under-utilized and is exploring the possibility of selling gas to India.
Apart from its energy resources, Northern Territory boasts abundant land resources and favorable conditions for green hydrogen production. During her interactions in Chennai, green hydrogen was a significant topic of discussion. With vast land areas, excellent solar irradiance, and abundant water, the region is well-suited for green hydrogen production.
Manison, who also holds multiple portfolios, including Minister for Northern Australia and Trade, Minister for Mining and Industry, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Minister for Advanced Manufacturing, and Minister for Parks and Rangers, expressed her desire to invite Indian nurses to work in her state, recognizing their valuable contributions to healthcare.
The Deputy Chief Minister noted that the Northern Territory had fallen behind other Australian states like Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia in terms of business ties with India. She expressed the region’s eagerness to bridge this gap and make itself better known in India.
Furthermore, Manison highlighted the potential for Indian investments in mining critical minerals such as cobalt, gallium, germanium, niobium, and scandium in the Northern Territory.
The region is also embarking on significant renewable energy projects, including the development of the world’s largest solar farm in the Barkly region, covering a massive 12,000 hectares. The electricity generated from this project, after meeting the requirements of Darwin city, is set to be transmitted to Singapore via a 4,300-kilometer undersea cable. This ambitious $19 billion initiative is expected to supply Australian energy to ASEAN countries.
Additionally, the Northern Territory is enhancing its space capabilities with the establishment of the Arnhem Space Center, where a local company, Equatorial Launch, is offering rocket launching services. The proximity to the equator provides an ideal location for rocket launches, and this initiative further reinforces the region’s innovative approach to technology and industry development.
Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison’s visit to India signifies the Northern Territory’s commitment to fostering stronger economic and strategic ties with India, leveraging its abundant resources and unique strengths. The discussions and partnerships explored during the visit have the potential to strengthen collaboration between the two regions in various sectors, including energy, healthcare, and minerals trade.
In conclusion, the Northern Territory’s ongoing efforts to establish meaningful connections with India highlight the significance of Indian-Australian relations and the potential for mutually beneficial economic growth between the regions. As the Deputy Chief Minister and her team seek to enhance cooperation and introduce Indian investors and professionals to the Northern Territory, it opens new avenues for collaboration and paves the way for future partnerships. This visit reflects the growing importance of India’s role in the global economy and its relevance as a strategic partner for Australian states and territories looking to expand their economic horizons.
