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Downer: The Real Job Killer Isn’t AI — It’s Our Energy Prices

The Advertiser

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Description

South Australia could power Asia’s data needs – but only if it stops insisting windmills alone can keep the lights on around the clock, writes Alexander Downer.

Summary

Alexander Downer argues that high energy costs, rather than artificial intelligence, represent the primary threat to Australian living standards and employment. The article highlights how South Australia's energy policy could either hinder or facilitate the massive electricity requirements of data centers needed to power Asia's AI revolution. While dismissing immediate AI job displacement fears, it emphasizes the infrastructure dependencies of frontier AI and how regional energy governance directly impacts a nation's ability to participate in the global AI economy.

Body

Downer: The real job killer isn’t AI — it’s our energy pricesSouth Australia could power Asia’s data needs – but only if it stops insisting windmills alone can keep the lights on around the clock, writes Alexander Downer. All your news for a great price Unlock this story and more with your subscription Full Digital Access What’s included Unlimited articles on app & web Subscriber-exclusive newsletters A digital version of Today’s Paper A refreshed puzzle experience Pay As You Go No lock-in contract $1 a month for 2 monthsThen $35 charged monthly.* *Read the fine print Full Digital Access $1 charged monthly for a duration of 2 months, after which it automatically renews at $35 charged monthly. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.advertiser.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. 12 Month Plan Lock in & save $5 a week for 12 months($260 min. cost) charged as $20 every 4 weeks. Then $20 charged every 4 weeks.* *Read the fine print Full Digital Access 12 Month Plan costs $260 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $20 every 4 weeks. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $20 (min. cost) every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.advertiser.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Subscribe Other subscription options Print + Digital Subscriptions Corporate Subscriptions Student Subscription Verified journalism. Expert analysis. Study smarter and stay informed with a student subscription View offer View offer Your Selection: $0 Your Selection – Change selection Today’s Total $0 Read the fine print Terms and Conditions Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.