Beetaloo Energy rolls out gas‑powered AI data centre plan in NT

Beetaloo Energy (ASX:BTL) has launched Beetaloo Digital and secured exclusive rights to 185 ha at Weddell, south of Darwin, for an integrated gas‑fired power and hyperscale AI data centre. The proposal targets up to 2 GW of onsite generation, with a one‑gigawatt computing campus requiring as much as 200 TJ of gas per day. Company executives say the project will create a durable domestic gas market and support long‑term economic development in the Northern Territory. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said, “Data centre proponents are looking to the Territory because of the promise of reliable and affordable Beetaloo gas‑to‑power supported by renewables…”. Managing director Alex Underwood added, “Hyperscale data centres and AI factories operate continuously, creating a durable, predictable demand profile.” The NT government’s support includes an exclusive land commitment and the expectation that surplus power could be exported to the Darwin‑Katherine grid. Parallel to this, Energy North’s Project Ares proposes an off‑grid AI data centre on a 19,150‑ha cattle station near the Beetaloo basin, combining gas‑fired generation, solar and battery storage. The $28 bn project aims for a 1 GW first phase and awaits environmental approval. Together, the initiatives highlight a push to make the Northern Territory a major hub for AI infrastructure, leveraging the Beetaloo gas resource.