Episode
Does Australia have the energy and water to power the AI data centre boom?
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- Download This Show
- Published
- Apr 3, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1744
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Summary
The world's biggest tech companies are scoping Australia out as a data centre hub . As they see it, we have an abundance of space, electricity and water. But do we actually have enough? About 270 data centres have already been built in Australia, and there are a whole lot more on the way. The amount of electricity and water these massive buildings are projected to consume is staggering . We'll walk through the numbers this episode, and who is likely to end up footing the bill. The MIT Technology Review article Bronwyn referenced during the episode is here . GUESTS: Petra Stock , climate and environment reporter for The Guardian Australia. Bronwyn Cumbo , lecturer at University of Technology Sydney and transdisiciplinary social researcher. Her Conversation article is here . ------------ This episode was produced on the lands of the Burramattagal people. ------------ Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] Find all the episodes of Download This Show on the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.