No special carve-out for states using fossil fuel to power datacentres, Chris Bowen insists, despite new conditions
Summary
The federal Labor government will introduce new national laws requiring datacentres to use 100% renewable energy, without special exemptions for Queensland or the Northern Territory. States can apply for exceptions only if they can prove using coal or gas power is cheaper, but the Australian Energy Regulator will make the final decision.Key Facts
- The government will require datacentres across Australia to use only renewable energy supported by firming (backup power sources).
- No automatic exemptions will be given to Queensland or the Northern Territory despite their interest in using coal or gas.
- States or territories can request an exemption if they prove fossil fuels are cheaper, but this is expected to be difficult.
- The Australian Energy Regulator will review all exemption requests and decide whether to approve them.
- The national rules aim to prevent datacentres from raising energy prices for homes and businesses.
- Datacentre energy use in Australia is expected to grow seven times in the next decade.
- The government will use constitutional powers to enforce these national datacentre energy standards even if states disagree.
- Australia’s carbon emissions fell 1.6% in the year to March 2026, mainly due to more solar, wind, and battery use replacing coal and gas.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
