Finocchiaro CLP Government supporting proposed Beetaloo Digital Pty Ltd integrated energy and data centre development.
Beetaloo Digital is proposing a hyperscale computing infrastructure project for AI, cloud computing and large-scale data processing, to be powered by up to 2GW of on-site gas-fired power generation.
Energy generation will be fuelled by Beetaloo Energy’s gas, providing reliable electricity for Beetaloo Digital.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has granted Beetaloo Digital an exclusive commitment over 185 hectares of land at Weddell, about 30km from Darwin.
This will give the company time to develop its plans for a massive project involving an integrated AI data centre and on-site gas-fired power generation, as the Territory continues to rise as a hub for digital infrastructure.
As many as a dozen data centre developers are eyeing the region, including Energy North’s Project Ares, a one-gigawatt project proposed for Murranji station in the Barkly region.
The Beetaloo Digital project, which Beetaloo Digital says has the potential to attract $40 billion in private investment at full development, will involve the construction of possibly two hyper-scale AI data centre campuses at Weddell.
They would be powered by up to 2GW of on-site power generation fuelled by Beetaloo gas.
It’s expected the project would create up to 5,000 construction jobs and as many as 350 long-term operational jobs, with the company focused on leveraging the Darwin and Palmerston workforce pool rather than relying on the FIFO model.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Beetaloo Digital proposal highlighted the Territory’s prominence as the natural hub for data centre development.
“Data centre proponents are looking to the Territory because of the promise of reliable and affordable Beetaloo gas-to-power supported by renewables, and because of how close and connected we are to major Asian markets and digital superpowers,” the Chief Minister said.
“The Territory has the answer to everything this country needs to be successful, including energy, digital capacity, defence, minerals, and agriculture.”
Under the “not to deal” arrangement, the Government commits to give Beetaloo Digital the exclusive right to make plans for the 185ha site while the company progresses the project and investigates its feasibility.
The Chief Minister said the arrangement demonstrated her Government’s commitment to backing major investment proposals with potential to create jobs and grow the Territory economy.
“The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering political and regulatory certainty to rebuild the Territory economy,” the Chief Minister said.
“In our year of growth, certainty and security, my Government will continue to make the Territory the best place to live, work, visit and invest.”
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment and Corporate and Digital Development Joshua Burgoyne said this was another example of the CLP turning potential into production.
“By providing this commitment of land, we are sending a clear message that the Territory is open for business and open for investment,” he said.
“This strategically located land close to nearby services and planned infrastructure connecting Darwin to the Beetaloo Basin provides Beetaloo Digital with greater certainty to continue investing in this significant energy and digital infrastructure opportunity for the Territory.”
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the development aligned with the Territory’s role in strengthening the nation’s energy future.
“We have a unique advantage through our strategic proximity to the Beetaloo Basin, with first gas now just 50 days away, unlocking a long-term energy supply to power the technologies and industries of the future,” he said.
“Projects like Beetaloo Digital demonstrate that Territory gas is far more than energy and has the ability to enable other industries to grow. Reliable, affordable gas provides the foundation for digital infrastructure, new investment and drives future economic growth.”
Beetaloo Energy Managing Director Alex Underwood welcomed the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s commitment to supporting the development.
“Data centres are essential infrastructure for the digital economy, driving investment, innovation and new industry,” Mr Underwood said.
“The Finocchiaro CLP Government’s decision gives Beetaloo Energy the certainty to advance the next phase of this major project and strengthens the Territory’s position as a future hub for digital infrastructure and investment.”
