Australia’s backdown on data centres allows them to use energy from coal and gas. Here’s what that means
The federal government has softened its initial renewables-only stance.
Australia’s data centre boom will not be exclusively powered by renewables, according to a recent softening of the government’s stance. At the National Cabinet meeting, officials announced a relaxation of requirements for new data centres to rely primarily on renewables, backed by batteries and gas. This change allows Queensland and the Northern Territory to use fossil fuels, such as coal and gas, in their operations.
The new standards, set to be legislated in early 2027, aim to address concerns over strained water supplies, land usage, noise, and rising energy bills, which data centres consume heavily. While these standards mark a step towards a more sustainable transition, they leave some important regulatory gaps, particularly when it comes to existing data centres across Australia.
These gaps raise questions about the enforcement of the rules and their impact on community well-being. To ensure that data centres adhere to environmental and efficiency standards, Australia must learn from other regions, such as the European Union and Ireland, which have implemented robust reporting and rating systems for energy and water use.
Engaging local communities in the planning process and conducting thorough, real-world studies on the impacts of data centres on various factors such as water supplies, peak power prices, noise levels, and emissions will be crucial for fostering sustainable growth in this sector.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
