Australian Developers Rush 225 Datacentre Projects Ahead of 2027 Rules

2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 25

225 datacentres are now in development across Australia, and projects approved before federal legislation passes next year would avoid Albanese’s proposed national rules because they will not apply retrospectively.
Those rules—set for discussion at Wednesday’s national cabinet meeting—would force developers to cover connection costs, add renewables to offset demand, limit water use, and avoid sites near homes, schools, housing land or farms.
Aemo expects datacentre electricity demand to jump from 5 to 34 terawatt hours by 2036, even though more than 40% of projects tracked since its 2025 report have since dropped off or regressed.
In NSW, Goodman Group’s proposed 90MW Project Mars near Sydney has become a test case, drawing local opposition over its planned 3.5ML-a-day water use and limited renewable commitments.
Community groups, the Greens and planning experts are pressing for a moratorium before the new regime starts, warning state governments that fast-tracking approvals could trigger political backlash.