TechAlbanese’s AI blueprint sparks calls for data-centre moratorium until new rules are in place

Environmental and community groups are calling for a halt to data-centre development in Australia until new regulations take effect. The demand follows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s promise to provide greater clarity and speed in the approval process. In a speech on artificial intelligence at the University of Sydney, Albanese outlined proposed obligations for large-scale data centres. They would have to underwrite new power supply, pay their full share of grid-connection costs and return as much energy to the grid as they consume. Australia is also expected to create energy regulations for data centres.

artificial intelligencedata centresenergy regulationAustralia

TThe Guardian★★★☆☆2026-07-15 15:00Original