Data centre operators to invest in renewable energy and workforce training
By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Feb 26, 2026
Data centre operators are proposed to invest in 100% new renewable energy to power their operation, and also fund new energy workforce training, as part of a plan delivered to the federal government by an alliance of industry, environment and union groups.
Deal Analysis
This announced investment deal involves data centre operators in Australia committing to 100% renewable energy to power their operations and funding new energy workforce training. The plan was delivered to the federal government by an alliance of industry, environment, and union groups, indicating broad stakeholder support. While the financial value of the investment is undisclosed, the commitment to renewable energy and workforce development suggests a significant long-term strategic shift for the data centre sector in Australia.
The deal is notable for its collaborative nature, bringing together data centre operators with a diverse range of environmental and labor organizations. This signals a growing emphasis on sustainability and responsible business practices within the data centre industry. The involvement of numerous endorsing organizations, including the Smart Energy Council, WWF-Australia, and the Electrical Trades Union, highlights the widespread recognition of the need for data centres to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a skilled workforce in the renewable energy sector. The success of this initiative will likely influence similar developments in other regions and industries.
- Data centre operators are investing in 100% renewable energy for their operations.
- The deal includes funding for new energy workforce training.
- The initiative is supported by a broad alliance of industry, environment, and union groups.
- The financial value of the investment is undisclosed.
Market Context: The data centre market in Australia is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for cloud computing and data storage. This growth has raised concerns about the sector's energy consumption and environmental impact, leading to increased pressure for sustainable practices.
Source Intelligence
KEY DETAILS
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) estimates data centres will consume 6% of Australia’s grid-supplied electricity by 2030. Quote: Estimated by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to consume 6% of Australia’s grid-supplied electricity by 2030
Electricity demand from Australia’s data centre growth is expected to rise from 1.35 GW today to between 5-8 GW by 2035. Quote: electricity demand from Australia’s data centre growth is expected to rise from 1.35 GW today to between 5-8 GW by 2035.
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Announcement
February 26, 2026
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
C
Clean Energy Council
endorser
"The proposal has been endorsed by the Clean Energy Council (CEC)"
E
Electrical Trades Union
endorser
"Electrical Trades Union (ETU)"
A
Australian Conservation Foundation
endorser
"Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF)"
W
WWF-Australia
endorser
"WWF-Australia"
S
Smart Energy Council
endorser
"Smart Energy Council (SEC)"
R
RE-Alliance
endorser
"RE-Alliance"
C
Climate Energy Finance
endorser
"Climate Energy Finance (CEF)"
N
Nature Conservation Council of NSW
endorser
"Nature Conservation Council of NSW"
E
Environment Victoria
endorser
"Environment Victoria"
Q
Queensland Conservation Council
endorser
"Queensland Conservation Council (QCC)"
S
Sunrise Project Australia
endorser
"Sunrise Project Australia"
C
Carbon Zero Initiative
endorser
"Carbon Zero Initiative"
medium quality
Enriched Feb 26, 2026
Market Context
This deal is part of the Data Center sector in Australia.
1 of 131 Data Center deals tracked this month · Updated daily