Australia signals flexibility on data-center energy rules amid state opposition
By Sean Maguire ( August 26, 2026, 07:39 GMT | Insight) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday said the federal government would legislate national standards for data centers with “buy-in” from states and territories, despite Queensland and the Northern Territory opposing strict renewable-energy requirements. Albanese said the standards would protect power prices and ensure data centers are appropriately located, while suggesting states would retain some flexibility over their energy mix. The push comes as new forecasts show data-center electricity use rising seven-fold over the next decade.Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday said the federal government would legislate national standards for data centers with “buy-in” from states and territories opposed to strict requirements for renewable energy generation....
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