Chris Bowen vows to override Queensland and NT to force renewables-powered AI datacentres
News Source
β’Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:09:25 GMT
π° What Happened
Energy minister Chris Bowen says the federal government will override Queensland and the Northern Territory on datacentres. New laws would force AI datacentres to run on renewable energy and ban gas-powered ones. Bowen said he expects the states to be unhappy but will act under federal power. He made the comments at the National Press Club on Wednesday.
π The Backstory
AI datacentres use huge amounts of electricity and strain energy grids. A market regulator warned that without changes, costs could fall on customers. The federal government wants renewables to power the AI boom. Queensland and the NT opposed the new rules at a meeting last week, setting up a clash over who controls energy policy.
π― Why It Matters
Datacentres need lots of power. If their costs and energy use are managed well, households can avoid higher bills and blackouts.
Energy minister Chris Bowen says the federal government will override Queensland and the Northern Territory on datacentres. New laws would force AI datacentres to run on renewable energy and ban gas-powered ones. Bowen said he expects the states to be unhappy but will act under federal power. He made the comments at the National Press Club on Wednesday.
AI datacentres use huge amounts of electricity and strain energy grids. A market regulator warned that without changes, costs could fall on customers. The federal government wants renewables to power the AI boom. Queensland and the NT opposed the new rules at a meeting last week, setting up a clash over who controls energy policy.
Datacentres need lots of power. If their costs and energy use are managed well, households can avoid higher bills and blackouts.