Victoria to Introduce Renewable Energy Mandates for New Data Centres
New data centres in Victoria will need to source their own renewable energy and cannot use drinking water under new government rules. The move aims to balance the sector's growth with community concerns.
New data centres built in Victoria will be required to source their own renewable energy and will be banned from using drinking water under the state government's new rules for the rapidly growing sector.
In response to community concerns about data centres being built near residential areas, the Victorian government will also introduce a 150-metre buffer between any new data centres and homes.
The policy comes amid rising opposition to data centres, including from some Labor MPs and candidates. A Senate inquiry into AI and data centres will hold hearings in Melbourne to air community concerns.
Premier Ben Carroll says communities need to benefit from data centre development.