Energy North delays major Australian outback data centre project

Energy North has scrapped its target start date for a massive gas and solar-powered data centre in Australia’s remote north. The developer previously aimed for a “first power” date of June 28, 2028, but has withdrawn this timeline following regulatory delays.

The Northern Territory environment regulator suspended its seven-week deadline to determine the environmental hurdles the project must clear. The regulator indicated it would seek advice from the federal government, which is currently developing policy expectations for data centres and AI infrastructure developers.

The project, located on a cattle ranch hundreds of kilometres from the nearest city, is intended to leverage the region’s vast land, solar resources, and shale gas reserves. This development is part of Australia’s broader effort to attract investment in AI infrastructure, a sector projected by McKinsey to see $7 trillion in global investment by 2030.