Australia's 2036 data centre energy forecast

The 2026 ESOO Data Centre forecasting overview, from the Australia Energy Market Operator (AEMO) provides sober reading.

Quote: "There are around 165 data centres [in Australia] that consumed approximately 5 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity in financial year (FY) 2026, equivalent to around 3% of total NEM operational electricity consumption".

If AEMO's forecast provides correct, by 2036, data centre electricity consumption in Australia (13%) will almost double that of electric vehicles (7%).

This is occurring at the same time that Australia’s backdown on data centres allows them to use energy from coal and gas. Here’s what that means