Anthropic taps Australia for massive renewable-powered AI hub

AI powerhouse Anthropic has entered into its first major data centre lease agreement in Australia, signaling the nation's emergence as a significant hub for artificial intelligence infrastructure. The deal encompasses a substantial data centre campus projected to have a total capacity of 2.16 gigawatts, positioning it among the largest facilities globally. This development is expected to commence operations starting in 2027.

The strategic choice of Australia by Anthropic is driven by its attractive political climate and abundant renewable energy resources. These factors make it a compelling alternative to more congested markets in the U.S. and Asia. The nation is increasingly drawing AI firms seeking to secure essential power and land, with OpenAI also having previously secured a Sydney data centre offtake agreement.

The proposed facility, to be developed by Singapore-based Zerra DC, would focus on inference tasks rather than model training, aligning with Australia's nascent AI regulations. It will utilize a water-efficient closed-loop, air-cooled system. The Australian government is actively encouraging such investments, expecting a significant economic boom despite community concerns regarding resource usage.