ETU responds to govt's data centre expectations

The federal government’s recently announced data centre expectations have been welcomed by the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), which described them as an important step in the national interest.

The list of expectations was released on Monday, 23 March by Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Tim Ayers, and Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Dr Andrew Charlton.

In the face of growing demand for AI, the expectations are designed to ensure data centre infrastructure reflects Australian values and is environmentally and socially sustainable. They apply to new or expanded developments within Australia: particularly co-location sites, hyperscale operations and large-scale AI compute centres.

The expectations state that data centre operators should:

• Prioritise Australia’s national interest
• Support energy transition with additional renewable energy generation and storage
• Use water sustainably and efficiently
• Invest in Australian skills with apprenticeships and training
• Contribute to national research, innovation and capability
   

Data centre proposals that are closely aligned with the expectations will be prioritised for Commonwealth regulatory assessments.

“We need to get the data centre boom right,” said Electrical Trades Union National Secretary Michael Wright. “It is a singular opportunity to solve some of our biggest problems.

“These clear, sensible expectations tell data centre operators what ‘getting it right’ looks like.

Wright continued: “We welcome data centres that will train our kids for electrical careers wiring Australia into the new economy and building our way out of the housing crisis.

“We welcome data centres that contribute to our energy systems and add power to our grid, and we welcome those that respect and preserve our water and want to be part of Australian innovation.”

Image credit: iStock.com/AndreyPopov