How data centres jeopardise net zero
Over 200 protesters in Moss Vale, New South Wales, opposed a 16 megawatt data centre and power plant, highlighting broader concerns about unregulated fossil gas reliance in the sector. Cloud Carrier’s proposed 700 megawatt gas-powered data campus could increase NSW’s gas consumption by one-third, emitting 2 million tonnes of greenhouse gas annually and risking a 25% rise in state electricity emissions by 2035." "article": "More than 200 people protested near Moss Vale, New South Wales, against plans for a 16 megawatt data centre and power plant, part of a larger expansion by Cloud Carrier. The developer already operates a smaller data centre nearby and has challenged local council approvals twice, with a second appeal ongoing. Cloud Carrier’s next proposal includes a 673 megawatt gas-powered station, bringing total capacity to 700 megawatts—entirely reliant on fossil gas. The project would triple current gas use in the state, matching the consumption of Orica’s ammonia plant near Newcastle and emitting 2 million tonnes of greenhouse gases yearly. The Climate Council warned this could raise NSW’s electricity emissions by 6% initially, growing to 25% by 2035 as the grid decarbonizes. Locals also fear health risks from particulate pollution. Infrastructure NSW identified 90 data centres already operating in NSW, with $100 billion in proposed projects, including $30 billion in the State Significant Development pipeline. The agency noted rapid growth—$2.6 billion invested in 2024-25—while cautioning unchecked expansion could undermine emissions targets without renewable energy solutions. Minister Chris Bowen acknowledged the lack of coordination, calling the sector’s development ‘the Wild West.’ Southern Highlands councillor Heather Champion described the region as a ‘canary in the coalmine,’ warning unregulated expansion threatens rural communities nationwide. Bowen’s recent media conference highlighted falling power prices due to renewables but did not address the sector’s long-term climate risks. Without urgent policy intervention, data centre growth risks locking Australia into fossil fuel dependency.
More than 200 people protested near Moss Vale, New South Wales, against plans for a 16 megawatt data centre and power plant, part of a larger expansion by Cloud Carrier. The developer already operates a smaller data centre nearby and has challenged local council approvals twice, with a second appeal ongoing. Cloud Carrier’s next proposal includes a 673 megawatt gas-powered station, bringing total capacity to 700 megawatts—entirely reliant on fossil gas. The project would triple current gas use in the state, matching the consumption of Orica’s ammonia plant near Newcastle and emitting 2 million tonnes of greenhouse gases yearly. The Climate Council warned this could raise NSW’s electricity emissions by 6% initially, growing to 25% by 2035 as the grid decarbonizes. Locals also fear health risks from particulate pollution. Infrastructure NSW identified 90 data centres already operating in NSW, with $100 billion in proposed projects, including $30 billion in the State Significant Development pipeline. The agency noted rapid growth—$2.6 billion invested in 2024-25—while cautioning unchecked expansion could undermine emissions targets without renewable energy solutions. Minister Chris Bowen acknowledged the lack of coordination, calling the sector’s development ‘the Wild West.’ Southern Highlands councillor Heather Champion described the region as a ‘canary in the coalmine,’ warning unregulated expansion threatens rural communities nationwide. Bowen’s recent media conference highlighted falling power prices due to renewables but did not address the sector’s long-term climate risks. Without urgent policy intervention, data centre growth risks locking Australia into fossil fuel dependency.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.