Bowen Reimposes 100% Renewable Datacentre Rule as 7-Fold Power Demand Looms
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 28
Bowen Reimposes 100% Renewable Datacentre Rule as 7-Fold Power Demand Looms
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 28
Summary
Bowen said new national datacentre standards will require 100% renewable power with firming in every state and territory, rejecting Queensland and Northern Territory claims of broad fossil-fuel carve-outs.
The only concession from national cabinet lets state-owned utilities seek exemptions if coal or gas can be proved cheaper than renewables, with the Australian Energy Regulator assessing each case and Bowen calling that a high bar.
Albanese plans to take the laws to federal parliament next year, arguing new datacentres must not raise power prices for households and businesses and should contribute to the energy transition.
AEMO forecasts datacentre electricity use will rise seven-fold over the next decade, a pressure point behind Canberra's push for nationally consistent rules on energy, water and land use.
Bowen paired the policy defense with emissions data showing a 1.6% annual fall to March 2026, leaving Australia 25% below its 2005 baseline against Labor's 43% reduction target for 2030.