Submission to the Getting it right: Building AI infrastructure that works for Australia consultation paper

The Clean Energy Council’s submission to the Australian Government’s Building AI infrastructure that works for Australia consultation calls for a mandatory, nationally consistent framework linking new large data centre electricity demand with investment in new renewable generation and storage. This would help protect electricity consumers while supporting Australia’s growing digital economy.

The submission recommends flexible contracting arrangements, renewable energy certificates and realistic delivery timelines to support investment in both sectors. It also highlights the importance of avoiding duplication between Commonwealth and state requirements, supporting electricity system reliability and delivering lasting benefits for host communities and Australian industry.