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

<p>Regulations will require new sites to avoid pushing up power prices by building renewable energy plants and minimising water use</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>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 growing for a moratorium.</p><p>The prime minister is aiming to come to an agreement with national cabinet on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/25/albanese-seeks-to-quell-datacentre-disquiet-as-climate-expert-warns-weve-got-one-shot-to-get-the-rules-right">federal regulations for datacentres</a> at a meeting on Wednesday.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/26/australia-may-face-a-rush-of-datacentre-construction-as-ai-firms-look-to-dodge-upcoming-rules-experts-say">Continue reading...</a>