Data centres serve as the backbone of the internet, functioning as secure facilities that house numerous servers dedicated to the storage and processing of our digital information continuously throughout the week.
Currently, there are over 250 data centres operational in Australia, and this number is expected to rise as the federal government’s initiatives for digital infrastructure expansion gain momentum. Recently, Amazon, the technology giant, announced an investment of an additional A$20 billion towards new data centres in Sydney and Melbourne, in conjunction with the establishment of three solar farms in Victoria and Queensland to supply energy for these facilities.
The New South Wales government has also introduced a new authority aimed at expediting the approval process for major infrastructure projects.
These advancements are set to meet the growing demand for generative AI and will contribute positively to the national economy, enhancing Australia’s digital sovereignty—indicating a global trend towards the domestic storage and management of data in compliance with national regulations.
However, the experiences of communities residing near these data centres are often less favourable. A pivotal measure in alleviating these challenges is ensuring meaningful community involvement in shaping the future of data centres in Australia.
Understanding the sensory impact of data centres
Data centres are expansive, warehouse-like structures, generally occupying between 10,000 to 100,000 square metres. They are equipped with backup generators, store thousands of litres of diesel, and are secured with high fencing. These facilities are consistently illuminated by fluorescent lights.
Temperatures within data centres can reach between 35°C to 45°C. To prevent overheating, air conditioning units run continuously, while water-cooled facilities utilise extensive piping systems to circulate gigalitres of cool water daily, efficiently dissipating the heat generated.
The presence of these data centres can impose significant pressure on local energy grids and water supplies.
In areas where multiple data centres have been established, such as Northern Virginia in the United States and Dublin in Ireland, residents have reported increases in energy and water costs, alongside water shortages and the degradation of cherished natural and historic sites.
There are also economic considerations. Although data centre construction generates a high volume of jobs, once operational, these facilities typically employ a limited workforce.
These issues have led some communities to oppose new data centre projects, with some even pursuing legal action to prevent developments over concerns related to water security, environmental degradation, and heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
An unprecedented opportunity
Until now, Australian communities have largely been shielded from the repercussions of data centres, primarily because the nation has outsourced most of its digital storage and processing requirements overseas.
This dynamic is changing as Australia rapidly develops its digital infrastructure, raising critical questions about who will have a say in shaping this future.
To avoid exacerbating social inequities and environmental challenges associated with data centres, collaboration between technology firms and all levels of government with local communities is essential in planning these vital pieces of digital infrastructure.
This juncture offers Australia a unique chance to set a precedent for developing a sustainable and inclusive digital future.
Towards genuine community engagement
Present planning protocols for data centres often limit community involvement. However, there are three key actions that data centre developers and government bodies can undertake to ensure that each development and the data centre sector at large align with the aspirations and values of local communities.
- Building crucial awareness about data centres
There is a palpable desire for greater awareness regarding data centres and their impact on daily life. Questions about the appearance, sound, and feel of living near these facilities, as well as how they might influence access to drinking water during droughts or energy costs during peak seasons, are of great significance.
Engaging with these matters is vital for empowering communities to participate in informed discussions surrounding data centre developments in their locales.
- Engaging communities early in the planning stages
New data centres are frequently designed with standardised templates, insufficiently adapted to address local conditions or concerns. Each proposed site possesses distinct social and ecological characteristics.
By engaging communities early in the planning process, developers can tap into invaluable local knowledge regarding culturally significant areas, biodiversity hotspots, water-sensitive regions, and existing sustainability initiatives that may be overlooked by state-level planning frameworks.
This local insight can significantly inform strategies to mitigate harm, enhance community benefits, and ensure that local priorities are intentionally integrated into the infrastructure.
- Fostering inclusive visions for Australia’s data centre sector
Communities recognize the significance of digital infrastructure and generally endorse equitable digital access. Nonetheless, there exists a desire for the growth of the data centre industry to reflect their everyday realities, values, and priorities.
To cultivate a more inclusive future, collaboration between governments and the industry with local communities is essential in expanding their visions of clean digital innovation and economic growth to encompass the complexities and aspirations of those living adjacent to data centre developments.
Such an approach will strengthen community trust and is critical to devising sophisticated, human-centred perspectives on the future of the technology sector.
