Australia to enforce power and water standards for data centers

The government also plans minimum copyright, security and safety standards for AI model training as it seeks to attract investment.

Australia will legislate national standards for data centers’ electricity and water use as the government seeks to support AI development while limiting pressure on households and the environment.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will outline the proposed obligations at a meeting of state and territory leaders. The government also plans minimum standards for copyright, security and safety in AI model training.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the rules should prevent states from competing for data centers at the cost of household bills, reliability or emissions. He said operators may need to provide renewable power backed by gas generation.

Albanese said maintaining public support would require protecting energy bills and water security and choosing appropriate locations for new facilities.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

Australia will legislate national standards for data centers’ electricity and water use as the government seeks to support AI development while limiting pressure on households and the environment.

Albanese said maintaining public support would require protecting energy bills and water security and choosing appropriate locations for new facilities.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.