Can Australia build one of the world’s largest data centres?

2026-02-09 · Source: Artificial intelligence (AI) – The Conversation · Field: Technology & Digital — Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure, Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Digital Infrastructure Policy · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Bronwyn Cumbo's research, supported by an Australia Public Policy Challenge Grant, investigates the feasibility and challenges of establishing New South Wales as a sustainable data center hub. This research aims to explore the possibilities for Australia to host one of the world's largest data centers. The University of Technology Sydney, a founding member of The Conversation AU, provides funding for the platform. The content is released under a Creative Commons license, allowing free reproduction of articles in print or online. The Digital Storytelling Team, which produced the interactive content, has no declared affiliations or funding that would benefit from the article beyond its research institution.

Key takeaway

For policymakers and infrastructure planners considering large-scale digital investments, this research highlights the critical need to assess regional sustainability and public policy support for data center development. Your strategic planning should integrate environmental impact studies and explore grant opportunities like the Australia Public Policy Challenge Grant to ensure viable, long-term projects.

Key insights

Research explores New South Wales' potential as a sustainable global data center hub.

Principles

• Public policy grants foster infrastructure research.
• Open licenses promote content dissemination.

In practice

• Investigate regional infrastructure potential.
• Utilize Creative Commons for content sharing.

Topics

• Declaration of Interests
• Research Funding
• Creative Commons Licensing
• Data Center Development
• Publishing Partnerships

Best for: Policy Maker, Research Scientist, General Interest

Related on AIssential

• Australia has set new expectations for AI data centres – they should serve the public — Australia now treats data centers as critical infrastructure, linking approvals to national interest and sustainability metrics.
• The State of Data Center Policy in the United States — US data center policy is shifting from incentives to restrictions, driven by community concerns over environmental and economic impacts.
• Blue, yellow and green: Google invests in its new data center in Sweden. — Google is expanding its infrastructure in Sweden with a sustainable data center and significant community investment.
• Australia has set new expectations for AI data centres – they should serve the public - Global Government Forum — Australia now treats AI data centers as critical public infrastructure, demanding national interest alignment for approval.
• The Data Center Next Door — AI-driven data center growth necessitates science-based policy and technological solutions to mitigate documented environmental and community impacts.
• Elevating Austria: Google invests in its first data center in the Alps. — Google's new Austrian data center integrates digital infrastructure expansion with sustainability and workforce development.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Artificial intelligence (AI) – The Conversation.