NSW's Data Center Boom: Win-Win or Risk?

0:00It's March 25th, Sydney News Today starts now, AI-powered and ready. New South Wales is rolling out its first big plan to become a top spot for global data center investments. Treasurer Daniel Mookie says the state offers stable politics, a strong financial system, skilled workers, top security ties as a five-i's partner. In the best undersea cables to Asia, in the U.S. West Coast, this setup is drawing tech giants looking to build massive server hubs. The state has already approved 20 data center projects as significant developments since 2019, with 15 more in the works, making 35 total. 18 of those are in Western Sydney, including a huge one gigawatt campus north of the airport with six four story buildings. Proposals for data centers and tech infrastructure. Top $70 billion with potential investments hitting nearly $30 billion if all go through them. Mookie sees a win-win cycle, where these projects bring world-class tech and help pay for the

1:01shift to renewable energy, easing the burden on. Tax payers and households. But there's pushback on the risks, like high electricity and water use that could hike bills if supplies don't keep up. Data center leaders argue, Australia is seen as tiny compared to the U.S., with just 252 centers versus over 5,000 there. The federal government wants efficient water use in these builds to support clean energy without raising prices. Mookie's team is set to detail expectations for tech firms this Friday, sifting serious investors from speculators. As the man grows from data centers, electric vehicles and homes, NSW knows it needs more green power anyway to tackle climate goals and cut long term. Costs for everyone.