A new survey has revealed 82% of Australians believe data centre operators must be compelled to invest in additional renewable energy to cover their electricity demands.
Commissioned by the Climate Council, the YouGov survey of 1,624 Australians found that 82% of people agreed that governments should insist that new data centres pay for additional renewable energy and storage infrastructure that matches their electricity consumption.
Seven out of every 10 respondents supported the introduction of strict energy and water standards for new data centres.
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The Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council (ECMC) will convene next week to discuss the issue.
Most poll respondents acknowledged concerns about data centres creating climate pollution if they are powered by coal or gas, and 67% believed data centres were both a risk to the electricity grid and likely to cause higher power bills.
Key points from the polling include:
- 67% of Australians agree data centres risk driving up power bills and putting the grid under strain.
- 82% think data centres should be required to pay for the new renewable energy and storage needed to power them.
- 69% support strict, mandatory energy and water standards for new data centres.
- Fewer than half of those surveyed (49%) are convinced the data centre industry will boost Australia’s economy.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said, “Australians have sent a crystal-clear message: operators cashing in on the AI boom must bring their own clean energy to the table. With energy demand from Australian data centres set to triple by 2030, we can’t afford to let this industry drain our grid, push up electricity bills and create more climate pollution.
“Australians in every corner of the nation understand exactly what’s at stake and it’s important that Energy Ministers in every state and territory of the nation are listening.
“The Federal Government promised last week to ensure that data centres won’t drive up power prices. This requires mandating that data centres build their own additional renewable power.
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“Without immediate action, Australian households will pay the price through spiked energy bills and soaring pollution within the next few years.
“Each state and territory must come to the table and put the interests of their communities ahead of the profits of tech giants and fossil fuel corporations.”
