Capability 1.1.1
Data Centres
Definition
The secure, efficient physical infrastructure, including cooling systems and redundant power, that houses and supports large-scale inferencing and training compute.
Examples
- Equinix
- CDC Data Centres
- AirTrunk
- NEXTDC
- DCI Data Centres
- Macquarie Data Centres.
Indicators
- Mega Watt capacity on compute scale
- Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) on energy efficiency
- Tier Certification (Uptime Institute) on reliability
- Renewable energy share
National AI Plan
PLAN COMMITMENT
Significant commitment
Plan prioritises positioning Australia as a data centre hub, attracting foreign investment, developing national data centre principles, coordinating approvals and energy planning (Action 1, Action 3). Includes development of the Data Centre Expectations, which were released in March 2026. Significant commitment in the plan aligns with recommended action to build agency.
Stocktake
‘Australia Data Centers'. Data Center Map. Accessed 13 October 2025. https://www.datacentermap.com/australia/
‘Empowering Australia’s Future – Data Centres: Essential Digital Infrastructure Underpinning Everyday Life’. Mandala Partners. October 2024. https://mandalapartners.com/reports/empowering-australia-s-digital-future
‘Australia's Data Centres'. CBRE. 1 October 2024. https://www.cbre.com.au/insights/reports/australia-s-data-centres-2024
‘Australian Data Center Market – Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2025-2030'. Research and Markets. March 2025. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/australia-data-centers-market
Is the Stocktake missing evidence?
Share additional information for potential future Assessments