TasWater have revealed in inquiry hearings that there are six data centres seeking supply and preparing development applications. It’s significant new information about future plans for data centres in Tasmania, which the Liberal Government have consistently refused to reveal.
Thanks to a Greens’ motion, we know that there are at least 10 AI and data centre facilities in the pipeline for Tasmania. While the information released confirmed these AI and data centres would use a whopping 1,150MW of energy, it didn’t mention their water requirements.
On Tuesday, the Office of the Coordinator General said they did not know the water requirements of these large proposals, which begs the question: who are all 6 of the proponents seeking supply from TasWater? Are these the same AI and data centres on the Coordinator-General’s list?
The Tasmanian community and a majority of inquiry submissions have stated that the development application lodgement stage is considered too late for the community to have their say. It’s a statutory process, not genuine consultation.
With all of these AI and data centre facilities so far along that they’ve spoken to TasWater and are preparing development applications, it’s time for athem to make themselves know to the Tasmanian community. TasWater made it clear that some proponents may be small bitcoin mining operation’s seeking a standard water supply connection, but the question remains how many are large proponents that will draw on large amounts of public resources.
Given the very limited water allocation remaining in Tasmania, imminent restrictions in several locations, and a monster El Niño approaching, there are legitimate questions as to just how much water these six data centres plan to use and whether they are a good allocation of the state’s water supply.
TasWater and others have made it clear that assessing the cumulative water impacts on the state from data centres is imperative. That requires proper water monitoring, but we know from the 2024 State of the Environment Report that recording river system health in Tasmanian is lagging under this Liberal Government.
The Liberals must be open with Tasmanians about AI data centres, and what public Tasmanian resources the proposal will consume. In the absence of the Government acting, there is a real expectation on proponents to act in the interests of Tasmanians and genuinely consult with the community before lodging a development application.
