Australia’s data centre boom raises questions about growth and sustainability

Key points

• Australia has roughly 160 to 250 operational data centres, with about 90 to 225 more proposed or under construction. Most are concentrated in Sydney and Melbourne, driven largely by demand for artificial intelligence.
• Supporters point to jobs, investment and energy efficiency, while critics warn of rising electricity use, water consumption and e-waste. The Australian Energy Market Operator forecasts data centres could account for about 13 per cent of national electricity demand within a decade.
• In March the federal government released national expectations for new facilities, covering energy and water use.