# Mega data centres in bed with big gas: how fossil fuels are powering the AI boom

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/7am-529740/mega-data-centres-in-bed-with-big-gas-how-fossil-fuels-are-powering-the-ai-boom
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/7am-529740/mega-data-centres-in-bed-with-big-gas-how-fossil-fuels-are-powering-the-ai-boom.md
Podcast: [7am](https://stenobird.com/podcast/7am-529740)
Published: 2026-06-07T19:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://omny.fm/shows/7am/mega-data-centres-in-bed-with-big-gas-how-fossil-fuels-are-powering-the-ai-boom
Audio file: https://p.podderapp.com/2544644999/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/62723a1f-3e96-4fc4-882c-b25e0181da4d/4f979cf0-6e16-4fbb-9e71-b4600051e535/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=70f29d90-2a63-48aa-bf8f-b25e0181da70
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/7am-529740/episodes/mega-data-centres-in-bed-with-big-gas-how-fossil-fuels-are-powering-the-ai-boom
Duration seconds: 1025

## Resource

Right now, AI data-centre mega-hubs as large as 350 hectares are being planned across Australia – that’s the equivalent of 175 MCG playing fields. And the energy they need to fuel them is just as huge: more than the total output of an entire coal plant. The solution? So-called “shadow grids” built in partnership between the data centres and big gas, where gas-fired power plants are placed directly on site, powering the centres and generating huge emissions in the process. Today, Ketan Joshi, climate expert and co-author of a new Greenpeace report, on the relationship between fossil fuel companies and data centres, and Australia’s vulnerability in the AI race.   If you enjoy 7am , the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support .   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Climate expert Ketan Joshi Photo:  REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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## Transcript

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