Google, Microsoft Back Australian Data Centre Rules with Flexible Clean Energy Demands

Google and Microsoft have backed Australia's push for nationally consistent rules governing data centre development. The tech giants made their stance known in submissions to a Senate inquiry into artificial intelligence and data centres.

In their recommendations, Google called for 'clear, consistent and durable national settings' for data centre investment, arguing that hyperscale projects involve 20- to 30-year commitments and require regulatory certainty.

Microsofthas committed AU$25bn through 2029 to expand its Australian AI and computing capacity. Microsoft currently has 29 data centre sites in Australia and believes the government's existing Data Centre Expectations framework provides a solid foundation for nationally consistent regulation.