Chris Bowen vows to override Queensland and NT to force renewables-powered AI datacentres
Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen plans to use federal legislation to mandate that new AI datacentres be powered by renewable energy. This move aims to override opposition from Queensland and the Northern Territory to ensure grid reliability.
Why it matters
The policy represents a significant federal intervention in state-level energy policy to manage the high power demands of the AI industry.
Chris Bowen, pictured at the press club on Wednesday, says new legislation will ensure energy reliability, forcing datacentres to be powered by renewables. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP Chris Bowen, pictured at the press club on Wednesday, says new legislation will ensure energy reliability, forcing datacentres to be powered by renewables. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP Australia news Chris Bowen vows to override Queensland and NT to force renewables-powered AI datacentres Energy minister says Australian households and energy reliability will be protected by new federal legislation
Prefer the Guardian on Google Energy minister Chris Bowen says the federal government will override state governments that oppose new national rules on datacentres, with commonwealth legislation forcing new AI datacentres to be powered by renewable energy and banning those fuelled by gas.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in