Event Summary | Data Centres and Supporting Infrastructure Needed to Meet Growing Demand in Australia

Event Summary: Data Centres and Supporting Infrastructure Needed to Meet Growing Demand in Australia

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The accelerating influence of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and emerging technologies is driving unprecedented demand for data centre capacity in Australia and globally. This growth is reshaping infrastructure requirements, from energy and water access to financing models and regulatory frameworks.

Our Future Leaders Network panel brought together industry experts to examine how Australia can meet this demand while balancing environmental, social, and technological considerations. Discussions covered the trade-offs between urban and regional site strategies, innovative financing approaches in a bank-driven market, and the critical role of ESG and community engagement in project success. Attendees also explored how to build resilience through diversified supplier relationships, robust security measures, and a forward-looking approach to future-proofing the industry.

We’d like to say a massive thank you to our speakers:

Panel Discussion:

• Moderated by Rachael Falk, Partner – Cyber, Ashurst Risk Advisory

• Mark Bower, Group Treasurer, NEXTDC

• Simon Currie, Co-founder & Chief Projects Officer, Energy Estate

• Lily Elliott, Partner, Infravue

• Bree Miechel, Partner – Projects and Energy Transition, Ashurst LLP

• Jock O’Shea, Partner – Global Loans, Ashurst LLP

We would also like to thank Ashurst LLP for generously hosting this event at their Martin Place offices in Sydney.

Download the event key takeaways below