Public Interest Principles for Data Centres
Electricity demand from Australia’s data centre rush could rise by tenfold consuming more than Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane combined by 2035. Without new renewable energy, this will place increased pressure on the grid, drive up power bills, and lock in emissions from coal and gas.
Carbon Zero Initiative has brought together an alliance of unions, environment, community and renewable energy industry organisations to call for new data centres to be powered by 100 per cent new build renewables, unlocking cheaper power, new regional jobs and grid stability, for all Australians to share in the benefits.
The alliance includes: The Clean Energy Council, Electrical Trades Union, Australian Conservation Foundation, Climate Energy Finance, WWF-Australia, Smart Energy Council, Nature Conservation Council, RE-Alliance, The Sunrise Project, Queensland Conservation Council, Carbon Zero Initiative and Environment Victoria.
To ensure public benefit, we are calling for data centres to:
Be powered by 100% additional renewables
Strengthen grid stability
Be appropriately sited to minimise impacts on nature and land use
Minimise embodied emissions and maximise efficiency and circularity
Use water resources responsibly
Operate with transparency
Commit to earning and delivering ongoing social licence
Support the training and upskilling of the workforce
Our organisations stand ready to work with governments, policy makers, and industry to ensure that all new data centre developments in Australia serve the public interest.
Our Theory of Change
By championing clean energy, building community, and preserving our natural environment, we can achieve a carbon zero economy by 2040. Through collaboration, innovation, and integrity, we pave the way for a safe climate and more resilient future.