The federal government will not grant exemptions for Queensland and the Northern Territory when it comes to setting national standards on how new data centres will be powered, unless they can show the energy supply is cheaper than renewable sources, climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, said.
Seeking to clarify “understandable” interpretations after this week’s meeting of national cabinet in Sydney – that had Queensland and the NT declaring “wins” over the use of coal and gas for new data centre projects – Bowen told Renew Economy on Friday that claims of exemptions for those two jurisdictions were wrong.
“We will, as we indicated, legislate binding national standards for data centres across the country without exception, which will require 100% renewables backed by firming, which can be gas,” Bowen said.
“The only concession made is that if a state-owned body feels that they have a case that they can have a mix which is cheaper than renewables, they are welcome to make that case to the Commonwealth. Commonwealth will consider it through the Australian Energy Regulator.”
The clarification follows speculation about what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had agreed with the states and territories at Wednesday’s meeting. At a media conference at the conclusion of the gathering, Albanese said a common position had been reached that would allow “flexible” energy supplies.
