Australia’s world-first DC rules face hurdle

Australia is among a growing number of countries trying to regulate AI without stifling innovation while ensuring adequate power supplies for the energy-hungry DCs that underpin the technology. — Bloomberg

CANBERRA: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s proposed “world-first” environmental and energy controls for Australia’s A$150bil (US$105bil) data centre (DC) pipeline will face their first test when federal, state and territory energy ministers meet to discuss guardrails for the sector.

Ministers will meet virtually to discuss the proposed curbs as Australia’s rapidly expanding DC industry – fuelled by demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and hyperscalers including Microsoft Corp and Meta Platforms Inc – attracts opposition from community and environmental groups.