Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 16
Anthropic Secures $31.9 Billion Queensland Datacentre Deal as State Wins Coal-Power Carve-Out
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 16

Anthropic Secures $31.9 Billion Queensland Datacentre Deal as State Wins Coal-Power Carve-Out

1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 16

Summary

  • $31.9 billion Western Downs Digital Park near Dalby will host Anthropic’s first Australian datacentre under a site lease announced by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli.
  • Queensland won the investment by pitching energy security and faster approvals, with the project set to connect to the existing Braemar power station and open next year.
  • The deal follows Queensland’s rejection in July of a federal push to require new AI centres to use renewable energy, after the state said it secured permission to use coal generation instead.
  • Crisafulli said the project must add generation, lower power prices, protect water supplies and give local communities a say, as Canberra separately weighs broader AI incentives and rules.

Insights

Will Queensland's massive $31.9 billion AI hub derail Australia's climate goals by relying on coal instead of renewable energy?
How will the proposed default copyright access for AI companies impact Australian artists fueling this massive new data centre?
Why is Anthropic building a massive coal-powered data centre while its CEO publicly begs for an AI development slowdown?