DOMINANT ANGLE
Conditional regulatory framework: data centres must serve national interest and support energy transition
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
ANALYSIS
Australia stands out for the most recent and explicit regulatory approach globally: on 23 March 2026, the government released a framework of "expectations" for data centre and AI infrastructure developers, requiring projects to serve the national interest, support the energy transition, use water sustainably, invest in Australian skills, and strengthen local research.
