Three Territory Generation apprentices have been recognised at the 2026 GTNT Group Awards, highlighting the talent, dedication and hard work of the organisation’s emerging workforce.

Electrical Apprentice Aaron Fairweather was named winner of the Prelude to the Future Outstanding Shell Apprentice Award, a significant achievement in a journey that began through Territory Generation’s pre-employment program. Aaron’s recognition reflects his commitment to developing his skills and building a career in the Northern Territory’s energy industry.

Fellow Electrical Apprentice Janna Ransome was recognised as Outstanding Female Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, acknowledging both her contribution to the electrical trade and the example she sets for others considering a career in the industry.

Electrical Apprentice Joshua Wiles also received recognition, finishing runner-up in the Outstanding Apprentice – Stage 3 category.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Minh Tran said the achievements demonstrated the value of investing in people and creating opportunities for Territorians to build rewarding careers in the energy sector.

“Our apprentices play an important role in Territory Generation’s future. Their achievements reflect the effort they put into their development and the support provided by the teams who help them learn and grow throughout their apprenticeship journey.”

The success of Territory Generation’s apprentices was further reflected in the organisation being named GTNT Group Host Business of the Year – Large Employer for the second consecutive year.

The award recognises Territory Generation’s ongoing commitment to supporting apprentices and developing the skilled workforce needed to power the Northern Territory into the future.

Territory Generation thanks GTNT Group for its continued partnership in creating opportunities for apprentices, trainees and host businesses across the Territory.

Congratulations to Aaron, Janna and Joshua on their achievements.

Janna Ransome – Outstanding Female Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Craig White accepts award for Aaron Fairweather – Prelude to the Future Outstanding Shell Apprentice

Aaron Fairweather at work

Joshua Wiles – Stage 3 Runner Up –

TGen accepts the Host Business of the Year – Large Employer

8 July 2026

Territory Generation has awarded Pacific Energy the contract to deliver the next phase of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) program, strengthening power system security and efficiency in Alice Springs and Darwin-Katherine.

The projects form part of a $82.1 million investment in large‑scale battery storage and will be delivered at Territory Generation’s Owen Springs Power Station and Katherine Power Station.

The batteries will:

• strengthen energy security and grid stability
• improve the efficiency of system operations by providing essential system services
• enable more solar generation to be connected reliably
• support peak demand and respond to unplanned events
• reduce the need for surplus generation to remain online.

The Owen Springs battery will provide energy‑shifting capability to support stability and more efficient operation of the Alice Springs power system, while the Katherine battery will build on the strong performance of the Darwin–Katherine BESS already operating at Channel Island Power Station.

By providing fast‑responding storage and system strength services, the batteries will help Territory Generation operate its power systems more efficiently as solar generation continues to increase.

Local contractors will be involved in construction activities, supporting local participation and regional capability as the projects progress.

For further details, see the Minister for Essential Services’ media release: CLP boosting energy security with large scale batteries for Katherine and Alice Springs.

The North Star BESS, part of a 42MW network-integrated system that Pacific Energy delivered for Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect project.

20 April 2026

Territory Generation is pleased to welcome Michelle Shepherd as Chair of the Territory Generation Board.

Michelle is an experienced non‑executive director with more than 30 years’ experience across the energy sector, government and not‑for‑profit organisations. She brings extensive expertise in energy markets, major infrastructure and governance. Michelle is currently Chair of Synergy, Western Australia’s largest electricity generator and retailer, where she provides oversight of a multibillion‑dollar portfolio of renewable generation, storage and technology projects, as well as the decommissioning of legacy coal assets. She is also responsible for governance, strategy, safety and risk oversight in a complex and highly regulated operating environment.

Throughout her career, Michelle has worked closely with governments, regulators, industry and communities to deliver large‑scale energy projects and lead organisations through change, with a strong emphasis on safety, culture and long‑term value. Michelle’s experience and leadership will support Territory Generation as it continues to deliver reliable power for the Northern Territory and contribute to the Territory’s energy objectives, including the delivery of reliable, affordable and more sustainable energy for Territorians.

Following these changes, the Territory Generation Board will comprise Michelle Shepherd as Chair, with Dennis Bree and Christine Charles continuing as Non-Executive Directors.

21 January 2026

We’re thrilled to celebrate Tan Thai, who has been awarded the Charles Darwin University Tertiary Award at the 2025 Engineers Australia Tertiary Institution Graduate Awards, which is a national recognition of emerging engineering talent.

Tan’s journey is one of determination and impact. Starting as a CDU student, he joined Territory Generation as an undergraduate and quickly made his mark. Today, as a Balance of Plant Asset Engineer, Tan is helping shape the future of energy in the Northern Territory. His work has driven major infrastructure upgrades across the NT and improved how we manage change and asset documentation. These contributions earned him TGen’s 2024 Young Professional of the Year – CEO Award.

But Tan’s influence goes beyond technical excellence. He’s passionate about inspiring young Territorians and advancing renewable energy research, making him not just an engineer, but a role model. Back in 2022, Tan offered this advice to aspiring engineers:

“Stay disciplined through hardships, for greatness awaits.”

Those words have proven insightful. Tan’s achievements reflect the power of perseverance and purpose, and we’re proud to have him on the Territory Generation team.

Congratulations to Tan and all the award winners across Australia.

13 October 2025

In July 2025, Territory Generation proudly hosted a milestone celebration at Tennant Creek Power Station to commemorate 50 years of powering the region. Since its commissioning in July 1975 with just 7.2 MW of diesel generation, the station has transformed into a modern facility with 21.9 MW of installed capacity, primarily fuelled by natural gas with diesel backup for contingencies.

The event brought together staff, community members and special guests, including the Hon Gerard Maley MLA, Deputy Chief Minister; the Honourable Bill Yan MLA, Treasurer; and the Honourable Steven Edgington MLA, Minister for Essential Services. Territory Generation also acknowledged the Waramungu people, traditional custodians of the Patta land on which the station stands.

CEO Gerhard Laubscher addressed attendees, reflecting on the station’s legacy and outlining future opportunities. He spoke about Territory Generation’s recent microgrid feasibility studies—funded through the Australian Government’s Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund—which explored ways to increase renewable energy integration at remote sites like Tennant Creek. These studies, along with the 2024 market sounding, are helping guide plans for potential renewable and long-duration battery storage solutions, with a continued focus on delivering reliable, efficient and cost-effective power.

We also recognised the contributions of our dedicated staff over the past five decades, with special mention to recent station coordinators Kevin Edwin, Hal Ruger and Matthew Blankenspoor. Their leadership and commitment continue to shape the success of Tennant Creek Power Station.

July 2025

Congratulations to Matthew Blankenspoor for taking out the ‘Supervisor of the Year’ category and to all Territory Generation apprentices, supervisors and our Learning & Development team for their part in our business being awarded ‘Large Employer Host Business of the Year’ at the 2025 GTNT Awards. Well done also to our Electrical Apprentice, Aaron Fairweather, who was a finalist in the ‘Prelude to the Future Outstanding Shell Apprentice’ category.

We acknowledge the GTNT Group for their ongoing support with our apprentices and hosting another great awards night showcasing the upcoming Territory talent. We are awed by our fellow nominees for host business and the incredible calibre of their programs. It’s wonderful to see the quality of apprentices being ‘grown’ in the Territory, and we are proud of our part in it.

9 June 2025

Congratulations to Asinate ‘Nat’ Bradbury on winning ‘Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year’ at the NT Training Awards on 31 August 2024. Nat, who started with Territory Generation in 2020 after transitioning from a career in finance, completed her apprenticeship earlier this year, and is now a fully qualified Operator Maintainer Mechanical. Nat excels in her role at Tennant Creek Power. Her dedication, skill, and passion are inspiring as she thrives in a traditionally male-dominated industry, taking personal and professional challenges in her stride. This award is truly special considering that 2023 was a transformative time for Nat, including celebrating her marriage and becoming a mother.

We are incredibly proud of Nat’s achievements and look forward to seeing her shine at the national awards in December. Her hard work and determination pave the way for future generations of women in the industry. We also want to acknowledge everyone, including her Territory Generation team and GTNT Group, who has supported Nat and say “well done” to all the other nominees. Every person nominated, including our own Elisha Wright, should be so proud of their achievements.

(From left to right) Chief Minister the Honourable Mrs Lia Finocchiaro, Asinate Bradbury and Amelia Nuku from Industry Skills Advisory Council NT.

2 September 2024

It was an honour to welcome the Hon Chris Bowen MP to Channel Island Power Station in March 2024, where he had the opportunity to tour our Darwin-Katherine Battery Energy Storage System (DK BESS) site. The Minister also took the time to speak to Territory Generation staff, including Janna Ransome, who is nearing the end of her first-year electrical apprenticeship. It was great to see this exchange between our Federal Minister for Climate Change & Energy and the next generation of industry professionals who play a critical role in supplying essential services for the Territory.

The Hon Chris Bowen MP (centre) at the DK BESS with Territory Generation staff.

Electrical apprentice Janna Ransom with the Hon Chris Bowen

2 September 2024

On Monday 4 March 2024, Territory Generation was proud to welcome the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, the Hon Eva Lawler, and the Minister for Essential Services, the Hon Kate Worden to Channel Island Power Station to discuss the progress of the Darwin-Katherine Battery Energy Storage System (DK BESS) and formally announce the DK BESS 2.

At this event, the ministers announced that the  DK BESS 2 project will see batteries distributed in locations across the Darwin-Katherine Interconnected system security through the transition period. It will deliver fuel savings, and enable more renewable energy penetration by providing essential system services.

It was also confirmed that the installation, construction and pre-commissioning of the first DK BESS at Channel Island is now complete. Territory Generation is collaborating closely with key stakeholders as the project moves towards full-scale commissioning

Together, these two BESS projects satisfy the Darwin-Katherine Electricity System Plan requirements for the installation of high-specification batteries.

Related media release: Eva Lawler, Chief Minister for the Northern Territory, and Kate Worden, Minister for Essential Services: Keeping power prices low and securing our energy future

(Left to right) Territory Generation CEO Gerhard Laubscher; Minister for Essential Services, the Hon Kate Worden; and the Chief Minister of the NT, the Hon Eva Lawler.

Thanks to everyone (especially all the students and our Territory Generation volunteers) involved in the NexGen Solar Car Challenge event on 17 October 2023. Territory Generation was very proud to sponsor this event through our sponsorship with Engineers Australia Northern Division (NT), which saw around 200 students come together at Hidden Valley Motor Sports Complex from middle schools from across the Territory.

As well as being given an opportunity to inspect the solar race cars about to embark on their 3000km journey south, the students also raced their team-built cars on the Student Track. Congratulations to the team behind car 5 from Nightcliff Middle School who won the final race with a time of 6:13. There was some impressive work involved with 3D-printed wheels and soldered joints. It was a great day and proof that STEM engagement can be fun as well as educational.

It was great to see our Reliability Engineer Brian McDonough and Graduate Electrical Engineer Aidan Routledge trackside supporting the students during the races and in the pits.