Northern Territory government backs massive $40 billion data centre project

The Northern Territory government has granted exclusive land rights for a proposed $40 billion hyperscale data centre project near Darwin, marking a significant step in the region's push to become a digital infrastructure hub. The project, led by Beetaloo Digital—a subsidiary of Beetaloo Energy—is slated for a 185-hectare site at Weddell, approximately 30 kilometres from Darwin. This development aims to integrate large-scale artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure with on-site, gas-fired power generation. By using gas sourced from the Beetaloo Basin, the project seeks to bypass the limitations of existing power grids and provide the continuous, high-capacity electricity required for modern AI operations. The company estimates the project could create up to 5,000 construction jobs and 350 long-term operational roles, with a focus on hiring from the local Darwin and Palmerston workforce. This proposal is part of a broader trend, with as many as a dozen other data centre developers currently eyeing the Northern Territory for similar infrastructure investments. As the global demand for AI and data processing capacity continues to surge, the Northern Territory government is positioning the region as a strategic location for the next generation of digital facilities. The project remains in the planning stages, with the land commitment providing the developer the necessary certainty to advance its business case and seek further partnerships for pipeline and power infrastructure.