Australia's long‑term success depends on strong digital technology. The Australian Government has developed a clear set of expectations on data centre and AI infrastructure projects.
The Expectations of data centres and AI infrastructure developers will make sure data centre development only happens when it aligns with Australia's interest. This includes supporting Australian jobs, strengthening our energy grid, protecting water security and adhering to existing laws on things like privacy and security.
The expectations are a deliverable of the National AI Plan and respond to feedback from:
- industry
- utilities
- states and territories
- unions
- special interest groups.
The expectations help clarify what kind of behaviour the government wants to see from data centre investors, developers and operators in Australia. We expect industry to put Australia's needs first. This includes in areas like security, sustainability and community benefit.
In return for meeting these expectations, we will prioritise projects in the regulatory approval processes.
There are 5 national expectations of data centres and AI infrastructure developers:
- Australia first: Data centres and AI infrastructure that operate in Australia should do so in Australia's interest. They should operate in good faith and work with local communities to ensure social licence.
- Supporting Australia's energy transition: New infrastructure should avoid placing upward pressure on energy prices and make a positive contribution to Australia's energy transition. This includes renewable supply, covering transmission costs and cooperating with energy regulators and suppliers on peak-load management.
- Sustainable and efficient water usage: We expect data centres to use innovative cooling solutions to minimise water use, appropriate to local conditions. They should seek to replenish as much water as they use.
- Investment in Australian skills: Data centre operators should support Australia's economy by creating fair, safe, secure and well-paid jobs for Australian workers. They should also invest in skills development and apprentices.
- Research, innovation and local capability: Australia should receive public interest compute on favourable terms. This will help support Australian start-ups, our innovative small businesses and Australian researchers.
The expectations will work alongside existing state and territory laws and local government provisions. We will continue to discuss with them how their approval pathways can reflect the expectations.
