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Regulators are racing to write new rules for data centres as global AI demand soars, while Queensland's government pivots back to fossil fuels, creating a stark policy split.
The IEA projects global data centre electricity demand will nearly double to 950 TWh by 2030, driven by a 50% annual surge in AI-related power consumption. Grid connection bottlenecks are forcing operators to seek alternative supply strategies as investment in the sector is expected to grow 75% this year to nearly US$700 billion.
The Queensland LNP government is prioritising a significant pipeline of oil and gas developments while claiming credit for existing wind energy agreements initiated by the previous Labor administration. This shift signals a strategic pivot toward fossil fuel expansion alongside a contested narrative regarding the state's renewable energy project origins.