Tasmania Approves 288MW AI Data Centre at Bell Bay

A local council in Tasmania granted planning approval on Tuesday for a 288MW AI data centre at Bell Bay. Developed by Firmus Technologies, the facility will become the state's largest power user by drawing from Tasmania's green energy grid. The company claims the project will generate 380 construction jobs and 115 permanent roles while maintaining low noise and water usage.

The approval follows intense community pushback, including a 6,000-signature petition against the Bell Bay site and a 9,000-signature petition to parliament requesting a moratorium on all uncompleted data facilities until oversight is established. State Greens MP Tabatha Badger criticized the timing of the decision, noting it occurred just 24 hours before a federal cabinet meeting regarding nationwide energy and water obligations for AI and data centres.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff welcomed the investment as a benefit to the state. While acknowledging the need for oversight, he cautioned against implementing technology guardrails that are too restrictive, stating a desire to keep Tasmania open for business. This project adds to the company's footprint in the region, which includes a 104MW facility under construction in Launceston and a proposed 52MW site in Wesley Vale.