1414 Degrees inks major data centre deal in South Australia

Rendered image of massive industrial energy precinct with 1414 Degrees logo
Rendered image of the Aurora Energy Precinct (Image: 1414 Degrees)

Thermal energy storage company 1414 Degrees, through its subsidiary SiliconAurora, has entered into a Heads of Agreement for a partnership to develop up to 1GW of AI data centre infrastructure at its Aurora Energy Precinct in South Australia, anchored by firmed renewable generation and storage assets.

Related article: Woodside boosts funds for 1414 Degrees’ SiBox Module

The agreement will see the data centre partner provided exclusivity over a development parcel of approximately 1580 hectares with long-term tenure and up to 900MW of solar generation potential, an approved 140MW/280MWh battery energy storage system, high-voltage connection infrastructure and associated land, fibre, and water access.

While 1414 Degrees will provide the development parcel, power, and connectivity inputs, the data centre partner will provide the capital, technical expertise, and operating capability required to deploy and operate the AI data centre infrastructure.

The parties will work with SA Power Networks, ElectraNet, and other relevant stakeholders to progress connection and transmission arrangements.

The development is proposed in three stages: An indicative 17MW starter campus will draw on a 33kV power connection, allowing early-stage development ahead of full renewable buildout. A 200MW anchor campus will follow once the 275kV transmission line is connected, with a longer-term pathway to gigawatt-scale data centre capacity as Aurora’s full renewable generation is progressively developed.

1414 Degrees executive chair Dr Kevin Moriarty said, “This agreement validates Aurora’s strategy of attracting energy-intensive industries to a site purpose-built for renewable generation, storage and grid connectivity.

“The 33kV connection lets us start generating value from part of the precinct now, while the 275kV build-out and Aurora’s solar and battery storage development continue in parallel.”

Related article: Woodside boosts funds for 1414 Degrees’ SiBox Module

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