Victoria, Australia, proposes rules requiring data centers to secure own renewable energy supply

The Australian state of Victoria has proposed new rules under its Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan requiring data centers to bring their own renewable energy generation and storage, cover grid connection and upgrade costs, use recycled or non-drinking water for cooling, and keep a 150-meter buffer from residential areas.

• Data centers must supply their own renewable energy and storage
• Cooling limited to recycled or non-drinking water
• 150-meter buffer zone from residential areas and schools
• Local investment guarantees and priority hiring of residents