Report claims AI boom could keep Australia using coal and gas for longer
A Greenpeace report warns that the surge in power-hungry data centres driven by the AI boom could hinder Australia's transition to renewable energy. The report indicates that electricity demand from these centres may exceed that of cars and homes combined by 2040. Greenpeace calls for a moratorium on new data centres until proper regulations are established.
- ▪The AI boom is leading to a significant increase in electricity demand from data centres in Australia.
- ▪Data centres could account for 13 percent of Australia's total electricity demand by 2040, according to projections.
- ▪Greenpeace is advocating for a halt on new data centres until transparency measures regarding energy use are implemented.
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Report claims AI data centre boom threatens Australia's energy transitionBy national AI reporter Cameron WilsonTopic:AIWed 27 May 2026 at 2:09amWed 27 May 2026 at 2:09amWed 27 May 2026 at 2:09amThe artificial intelligence boom requires power-hungry data centres. (ABC News: Rhiannon Stevens)In short:A new report has concluded the AI-fuelled surge of power-hungry data centres across Australia is jeopardising the country's energy transition.Analysis commissioned by Greenpeace says the unforeseen growth in electricity demand to feed the AI boom is even bigger than what it is taking to electrify our cars and houses.What's next?Independent analysts say this sudden demand for energy could mean Australia needs to rely on more expensive, polluting energy sources to fill the…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).