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The Pilbara’s Next Boom: A Green AI Data Hub

The Australian

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Description

Australia’s AI boom has grown so large that customers are asking Sharon.ai for 20,000 GPUs at a time, as Andrew Forrest eyes the Pilbara for a 2GW data centre.

Summary

This report highlights the surge in Australian AI infrastructure demand, exemplified by Sharon.ai receiving requests for 20,000 GPUs and Andrew Forrest's plan for a 2GW data centre in the Pilbara. While primarily focused on industrial scaling and energy requirements, the massive expansion of compute capacity in Australia directly impacts the domestic ability to host and train frontier AI models. Such scale increases the urgency for Australian governance frameworks to address the physical security and oversight of large-scale compute clusters that could facilitate high-risk AI development.

Body

The Pilbara’s next boom: a green AI data hubAustralia’s AI boom has grown so large that customers are asking Sharon.ai for 20,000 GPUs at a time, as Andrew Forrest eyes the Pilbara for a 2GW data centre. 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 for 2 monthsThen $47 charged monthly.* *Read the fine print The Australian Digital subscription costs $1 charged for a duration of 2 months, after which it automatically renews at $47 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.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. 12 Month Plan Lock in & save $8 a week for the first 12 months($416 min. cost) charged as $32 every 4 weeks. Then $32 charged every 4 weeks.* *Read the fine print The Australian Digital 12 Month Plan costs $416 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $32 every 4 weeks. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $32 (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.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.