Anthony Albanese had gone into the meeting clear that new national rules, expected to be debated in federal parliament next year, would mandate the use of renewable energy, and ensure datacentres did not push up prices for homes and businesses. The prime minister said new developments would be required to make a positive contribution to the country\u2019s energy transition.<\/p>\n
After the meeting, NT\u2019s chief minister, Lia Finocchiaro, and the Queensland premier, David Crisafulli, both claimed wins. Finocchiaro said gas from the massive Beetaloo basin project would now be available for datacentre power, while Crisafulli said his government could control the energy mix due to state-owned systems.<\/p>\n
Sign up for the Breaking News Australia email<\/a><\/p>\n But on Friday, Bowen said there would be no carve-out for any state or territory.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Commonwealth, as we always said we would, will be legislating nationally consistent commonwealth legislated datacentre standards, which will require in every state and territory 100% renewables, backed by firming,\u201d Bowen said.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was the case, is the case, will continue to be the case.<\/p>\n \u201cThe only change or concession made is that where a state-owned government instrumentality feels they can provide the energy cheaper than renewables. They can apply for exemption, but the Commonwealth will decide whether to grant that or not.\u201d<\/p>\n The Australian Energy<\/a> Regulator will be required to consider every application, with state or territory governments obliged to prove a non-renewables option is cheaper.<\/p>\n Bowen called that \u201ca very hard thing to do\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cAny suggestions of a wholesale carve-out for Queensland and Northern Territory is not accurate,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n After the talks in Sydney, Albanese described the decisions taken as allowing flexibility for governments with state-owned power systems.<\/p>\n
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