Australia may face a rush of datacentre construction as AI firms look to avoid upcoming rules, experts say

Regulations will require new sites to avoid pushing up power prices by building renewable energy plants and minimising water use Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Planned datacentres around Australia may avoid strict new rules being proposed by Anthony Albanese if they can secure approvals in the coming months, amid growing calls for a moratorium. The prime minister is aiming to come to an agreement with national cabinet on federal regulations for datacentres at a meeting on Wednesday. The rules will require datacentres to avoid pushing up power prices – including by bringing renewable energy to the grid to cover their electricity demands – while meeting their own connection costs and minimising water use. Developers will also need to ensure their datacentres are appropriately sized and located away from schools, homes, potential housing or agricultural locations. However, the rules will not be retrospective. This means any project that has been approved before the legislation passes next year will only be subject to existing state or territory laws. The Australian Energy Market Operator (Aemo) reporte