New expectations for NSW data centres to invest in renewable power sends the right signal to help protect households and businesses against the risk of rising power bills and climate pollution posed by a poorly managed data centre boom.
With the NSW Government saying in media reports today it will require data centre investment to be matched with increased investment in renewable energy, the Climate Council is calling for mandatory standards so data centre proposals that fall short don’t go ahead.
The state’s new guidelines are another step forward, in line with the Albanese Government’s commitment to legislate national standards – despite resistance from Queensland and the Northern Territory.
The standards are expected to require data centres to supply their own additional renewable power, no matter where they are built around Australia.
Climate Council Senior Advisor Ben McLeod said:
“Australians are rightly asking: Where is the power for the data centre boom going to come from? Guidelines like these set us on the path to making sure the answer won’t push up household bills, or climate pollution. The NSW Government should be decisive in shielding its citizens and make these expectations mandatory.
“All states and territories should get on board with similar rules under the proposed national guidelines. Governments must set the bar higher, and require data centres to be powered by new wind, solar and storage, otherwise Australians will pay the price of higher power bills and more climate pollution.”
—ENDS—
For interviews please contact the Climate Council media team on media@climatecouncil.org.au or call 0485 863 063.
The Climate Council is an independent, community-funded organisation. We provide evidence-based information on climate change impacts and solutions to journalists, policymakers, and the wider Australian community.
For further information, go to: climatecouncil.org.au
