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AI Boom Comes to Tassie - But Locals May Pay the Price

The Mercury

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Description

Data centre energy use in Tasmania is forecast to surge 400 per cent by 2030, prompting the government to set new rules on how the booming AI industry must benefit locals.

Summary

The Tasmanian government is introducing new regulatory frameworks to manage a projected 400 percent increase in data centre energy consumption driven by the AI sector by 2030. These rules aim to ensure the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure delivers local economic benefits rather than solely placing strain on the state's power grid and resources. While the article focuses primarily on infrastructure and energy policy, it highlights the significant physical resource requirements necessary to sustain the growth of frontier AI capabilities. This development reflects broader global challenges in governing the environmental and infrastructural impacts of the AI boom within specific regional jurisdictions.

Body

AI boom comes to Tassie – but locals may pay the priceData centre energy use in Tasmania is forecast to surge 400 per cent by 2030, prompting the government to set new rules on how the booming AI industry must benefit locals. 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 Full digital access to the Herald Sun included 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.themercury.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.themercury.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Subscribe Other subscription options Print + Digital Subscriptions Corporate Subscriptions 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.