Datacentre power struggle shows Albanese must hold the line against big tech and fossil fuels
An opinion piece argues that the Australian government must resist pressure from big tech and fossil fuel interests regarding the power demands of new datacentres. The author highlights that datacentre electricity consumption is projected to rise significantly by 2035.
Why it matters
The tension between AI infrastructure growth and national energy sustainability is a major policy challenge for governments worldwide.
‘A framework that strengthens communities and reduces reliance on carbon-heavy power supply shouldn’t be traded away in the first steps on legislating AI,’ Tom McIlroy writes. The PM with state and territory leaders this week. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP ‘A framework that strengthens communities and reduces reliance on carbon-heavy power supply shouldn’t be traded away in the first steps on legislating AI,’ Tom McIlroy writes. The PM with state and territory leaders this week. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP Opinion Australian politics Datacentre power struggle shows Albanese must hold the line against big tech and fossil fuels Tom McIlroy As he negotiates Australia’s AI future, the prime minister is under pressure from leaders of conservative states and territories
Australian Politics podcast: Who actually benefits from new datacentres in Australia?
Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast
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