$10 billion AI data centre proposal in South Australia sparks jobs vs. water usage debate
By
Angelique Donnellan, Xanthe Kleinig
Summary
A proposed $10 billion AI data centre in South Australia has divided the community: supporters highlight much-needed regional jobs, while critics in the nation's driest state warn that drawing water from the River Murray to cool the machines could be environmentally unsustainable. The article explores the accelerating pace of AI data centre developments across Australia, with 162 already operating and 90 in the pipeline, and notes that the Greens are calling for a moratorium on hyperscale developments. Industry expert Stefan Hajkowicz compares the investment scale to the mining sector boom.
Source
bsky$10 billion AI data centre proposal in South Australia sparks jobs vs. water usage debateabc.net.auKey quotes
· 3 pulledTo its supporters, a $10 billion artificial intelligence factory proposed for South Australia will provide much-needed regional jobs, but in the nation's driest state, critics say the draw on the River Murray to cool the machines could be too great.
Industry figures show there are already 162 operating across Australia and 90 in the pipeline.
Stefan Hajkowicz says the investment in data centres is 'up there with the mining sector boom'.
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