New AI data centre projects in Australia exempt from upcoming environmental rules
Large artificial intelligence data centres currently approved but not yet built are expected to avoid federal energy and water restrictions because the new legislation will not apply retroactively.
Dozens of existing approved but unfinished artificial intelligence data centre projects in Australia are set to bypass new federal regulations regarding energy consumption and water usage. ABC analysis of planning records indicates that this next generation of facilities will be larger and require more power than current installations. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the government would establish Australian standards to address environmental concerns and attract major technology investment. The planned law aims for approval by early 2027. Because the regulations are not expected to apply retroactively, developers are not waiting for final legislation before continuing construction. The projects involve Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, AirTrunk, CDC, NEXTDC, Goodman, and Stockland. Analysts from RenewMap and CBRE have verified the developments. Advocacy group Data Centre Australia reported that 162 data centres currently have a combined IT capacity of 1.5 gigawatts as of March.
