The Northern Territory Government has made an exclusive commitment to Beetaloo Digital for more than 185ha of land to develop its plans for a massive data centre and energy generation project at Weddell, approximately 30km from Darwin.
Beetaloo Digital is an offshoot of oil and gas exploration company Beetaloo Energy. The Beetaloo Digital project will involve the construction of up to two hyperscale AI data centre campuses powered by up to 2GW of onsite power generation fuelled by Beetaloo gas.
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As many as a dozen data centre developers are eyeing the Northern Territory, including Energy North’s Project Ares, a 1GW project proposed for Murranji station in the Barkly region.
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Lia Finocchiaro said the Beetaloo Digital proposal highlighted the Territory’s prominence as the natural hub for data centre development.
“Data centre proponents are looking to the Territory because of the promise of reliable and affordable Beetaloo gas-to-power supported by renewables, and because of how close and connected we are to major Asian markets and digital superpowers,” she said.
“The Territory has the answer to everything this country needs to be successful, including energy, digital capacity, defence, minerals, and agriculture.”
Under the “not to deal” arrangement, the NT Government commits to give Beetaloo Digital the exclusive right to make plans for the 185ha site while the company progresses the project and investigates its feasibility.
Beetaloo Energy managing director Alex Underwood welcomed the NT Government’s commitment to supporting the development.
“Data centres are essential infrastructure for the digital economy, driving investment, innovation and new industry,” Underwood said.
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“The Finocchiaro CLP Government’s decision gives Beetaloo Energy the certainty to advance the next phase of this major project and strengthens the Territory’s position as a future hub for digital infrastructure and investment.”
