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‘Incompetent’ Energy Approach Jeopardises Security, AI Boom

The Australian

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Description

Hospitals, airports and spy agencies could go dark – yet Australia’s energy policy is making it harder, not easier, to build the data centres needed to protect them, an expert warns.

Summary

This report highlights warnings from energy experts that Australia's current energy policy is stifling the development of data centres essential for the artificial intelligence sector and national security infrastructure. The analysis argues that failures in energy reliability could cause critical services like hospitals, airports, and intelligence agencies to lose functionality. While the focus is primarily on infrastructure and economic competitiveness, the piece touches on the systemic fragility of the digital environment required to host and secure frontier AI systems. It underscores a growing tension between Australian climate policy and the massive power demands of the global AI boom, posing a risk to the country's technological sovereignty and security resilience.

Body

‘Incompetent’ energy approach jeopardises security, AI boomHospitals, airports and spy agencies could go dark – yet Australia’s energy policy is making it harder, not easier, to build the data centres needed to protect them, an expert warns. All your news for a great price Unlock this story and more with your subscription Digital Access What’s included Unlimited access on app & web A digital version of Today’s Paper Daily puzzles & Mind Games A subscription to The Wall Street Journal Subscriber-exclusive newsletters & early access to tomorrow’s front pages Pay As You Go No lock-in contract $1 a week for 4 weeks($4 min. cost). Then $44 charged every 4 weeks.* *Read the fine print The Australian Digital subscription costs $4 charged for a duration of 4 weeks, after which it automatically renews to $44 charged every 4 weeks. 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.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. 12 Month Plan Lock in & save $6.50 a week for the first 12 months($338 min. cost) charged as $26 every 4 weeks. Then $26 charged every 4 weeks.* *Read the fine print The Australian Digital subscription 12 Month Plan costs $338 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $26 every 4 weeks. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $26 (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. New customers only. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.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.