Six AI data centres proposed for Tasmania, proponents kept confidential

The document, released to parliament following a Greens motion, lists two of the six "confidential" projects as being in the feasibility stage, meaning a preferred site has been selected and proponents are undertaking further assessments. One feasibility-stage project in the state's north-west is listed as needing 200-300 megawatts (MW) of energy, which could make it the biggest data centre in the state. A second project with the same power requirement remains in the earlier concept stage.

Another 50 MW concept-stage project has "expressed interest in" the closed manganese smelter at Liberty Bell Bay in northern Tasmania, the document states. In total, the six projects would use at least 500 MW if all proceed.

The proposals are separate from three AI data centres planned by Firmus Technologies, which include a facility under construction in Launceston, an approved project in the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone, and a third awaiting approval at Wesley Vale in the state's north-west. Firmus's combined 444 MW requirement is on track to make it the state's biggest power user. VIRIDIS has also received council approval for a small 1 MW data centre in Burnie.

The document explains that much of the information has been withheld because the Office of the Coordinator General's conversations with proponents often occur at a preliminary stage and may involve commercially sensitive information. "Where information has not been included, this reflects that it is either not yet available, not sufficiently settled, not capable of reliable estimation, or has been provided to OCG in confidence," it states, adding that the approach "is not intended to limit the parliament's access to information, but to ensure the information provided is accurate, appropriately qualified and does not compromise current or prospective commercial processes."

The release follows a Greens motion calling on the government to table details of all proposed AI data proponents working with the Coordinator General, their locations, and estimated power and water construction. Greens have accused Premier Jeremy Rockliff of keeping Tasmanians in the dark over the proposals.

Why This Matters

The proposals represent a potentially large jump in Tasmania's electricity demand at a time when the state's energy supply is already a focus of debate.
The lack of public information about who is behind the projects makes it difficult for Tasmanians to assess environmental, infrastructure and planning implications.
The outcomes of the feasibility studies will determine whether any of these projects proceed to construction and how much of the state's energy capacity they would absorb.

Background

AI data centres are highly energy-intensive facilities, and the rapid growth of AI services has prompted an international surge in demand for large-scale computing infrastructure. Tasmania has been marketing itself as a destination for such projects, in part because of its renewable energy resources. The state government has established the Office of the Coordinator General to attract and support major investments, and data centre proponents have been working through that office on site identification and energy connections.

Key Perspectives

Tasmanian government and Coordinator General: The confidentiality is necessary to protect commercial processes and because much of the information is preliminary and not yet reliable. The document emphasises the aim is not to limit parliament's access but to avoid compromising current or prospective negotiations.

Greens and transparency advocates: They argue Tasmanians deserve to know who is proposing large energy-hungry developments and where they would be located, particularly when the projects could reshape the state's electricity grid. The secrecy around the proponents prevents informed public debate.

Energy and industry observers: The scale of the proposed demand — at least 500 MW from the confidential projects alone, on top of Firmus's 444 MW — raises questions about whether Tasmania's electricity network can support multiple large data centres, and about the impact on prices and availability for other consumers.

What to Watch

Whether the two feasibility-stage projects — particularly the 200-300 MW facility in the north-west — progress to formal proposals and public consultation.
Any announcements naming the companies behind the projects, which would clarify their commercial intentions and energy requirements.
The state government's response to the Greens' transparency demands and whether further details are tabled in parliament.
Energy planning decisions in Tasmania, including new generation or transmission capacity needed to support the projected loads.

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