Overview
- - The Albanese government unveiled a five-point framework for data-centre and AI infrastructure that sets non-binding national expectations for prospective projects.
- - Projects that best meet the expectations will be prioritised in federal assessments, with weaker proposals placed at the back of the approvals queue.
- - Operators are expected to underwrite new renewable supply, pay the full cost of grid connections, bring clean energy or storage, and support demand flexibility to strengthen the grid.
- - Sustainable water use is encouraged, including recycled or non‑potable sources, alongside investment in Australian jobs, skills and research; offering affordable compute to startups and researchers will count in proponents’ favour.
- - Work on implementation with states and territories is under way as data centres draw roughly 2% of grid electricity and forecasts point to a sharp increase in demand over the coming years.