Australia's energy minister declared gas-only data centres will fail national standards. New Canberra policies mandate data centres build renewable power sources. Northern Territory's plans for gas-powered data centres face federal opposition. This policy casts doubt on attracting multi-billion dollar tech investments. Gas power will only be allowed for intermittent renewable energy backup.

Bowen says data centres could rescue stalled renewables as he warns coal fired power stations are no long reliable, and warned northern states not to go down gas path.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen insists the data centre boom and his plans to drive down Australian emissions can co-exist.