The crucial role of data centres in our economy and the challenges they face

As Australia’s digital presence grows, so do the opportunities and challenges for the infrastructure that keeps it running.

One of the most well-understood issues is the availability of power. In Victoria, for example, it typically takes AusNet around four years to provide the necessary 220 kV infrastructure to a site, at a cost of approximately $20 million per kilometre of line built – a lengthy process.

But power and energy are only half the battle. A less discussed but equally important challenge is water supply.

VicWater estimates that the total projected peak water demand for current and proposed facilities is around 3000 litres per second – this is equivalent to the demand of 100,000 homes or the entire city of Geelong.

This astounding figure raises some important questions. Where will all this water come from?

Acerca de GHD

GHD es una empresa líder en servicios profesionales que opera en los mercados mundiales de agua, energía y recursos, medio ambiente, infraestructura y edificaciones, y transporte. Comprometidos con la visión de garantizar que el agua, la energía y las comunidades sean sostenibles para las futuras generaciones, GHD ofrece soluciones en consultoría, servicios digitales, ingeniería, arquitectura, medio ambiente y construcción a clientes del sector público y privado. Fundada en 1928 y propiedad de sus trabajadores, GHD cuenta con una red de más de 12.000 profesionales en más de 160 oficinas en cinco continentes.