Queensland and NT reject federal renewable power mandate for AI datacentres

At a July 28 energy ministers' meeting, Queensland and the Northern Territory opposed the commonwealth's plan to mandate that AI datacentres use renewable power, underwrite new generation, and offset their energy use. Every other state backed the framework. Queensland treasurer David Janetzki called the proposals "underdeveloped ideas that hand increased power to Canberra at the expense of Queenslanders." S&P Global warns datacentre power use could hit 10% of national consumption by 2035. Federal sources say the roadmap proceeds regardless.