The Future is Big Data

The rapid uptake of AI is driving billions of dollars’ worth of development of big data centres throughout Australia.

Data centres are expected to create hundreds of jobs through both construction and operation, driving further demand for housing in key construction areas.

According to the Climate Change Department, the demand for data centres is increasing as Australia is expected to store and manage more data onshore.

It says that since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022, Australia has invested more in data centres than in the previous seven years. Investment in the September quarter reached $2.8 billion.

Australian National University, climate and energy policy expert Frank Jotzo, says there are tremendous economic opportunities in data centres.

The latest centre to be approved is a $3.1 billion facility in Western Sydney.  A $2.1 billion AI centre has been announced for Launceston, and OpenAI has plans for a $7 billion development in Sydney’s Eastern Creek.