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WA's Gigantic Gas Plant Fuels Data Center Debate
29 Oct
Summary
- A proposed gas plant in WA could power a future data center.
- The project faces environmental scrutiny and opposition.
- APA Group stresses no client agreements are yet signed.
APA Group's proposed Keralup power station, Western Australia's largest gas-fired power plant, is currently undergoing public comment via the Environmental Protection Authority. The 870-megawatt facility is planned with a temporary 210-megawatt section for an industrial client and a 660-megawatt section for the grid and battery storage.
While APA Group has stated no agreements are finalized, they confirmed data centers would be suitable customers. The project has drawn strong criticism from the WA Greens, who view it as a "carbon bomb" and a contradiction to the state's renewable energy goals. This opposition arises as the Cook government aims to increase renewable energy on the South West grid.
The power station would consume approximately 150 terajoules of gas daily, producing over 3 million tonnes of carbon annually. This proposal comes amid broader community opposition to large-scale data centers, highlighted by previous public outcry against similar developments.
