SYDNEY: Power demand from data centres (DC) is poised to surge over the next quarter-century, adding to an almost doubling of electricity consumption across Australia’s main grid by 2050, according to the network operator’s latest road map.
DCs will account for almost 10% of the National Electricity Market’s underlying demand by 2050 – four times their current share, the Australian Energy Market Operator said.
The report confirmed that the lowest-cost pathway is a system built around renewable energy, connected through transmission and distribution networks and firmed with storage and natural gas.
“Our plan is to deliver cheaper, cleaner energy, using our sovereign sun and wind energy to shield our grid from global volatility,” said Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen.
Australia’s slowing economy has been propped up by a massive surge in investment into DCs. That comes as the nation’s world-beating uptake of solar and rapidly aging coal generation helped to cause increased volatility and made the country a test case for the global energy transition.
Households are set to continue to contribute to the massive shift in generation through further uptake of solar panels and batteries. — Bloomberg
