Could Western Australia's Pilbara emerge as a global hub for hyperscale data centres?

Growing global demand for data centre infrastructure is bringing new attention to Western Australia's Pilbara, where large-scale renewable energy resources, international fibre connectivity and available land are positioning the region as a location for hyperscale data centre investment. Interest from global technology and infrastructure players, including Bill Gates’ reported visit to the Pilbara to assess the region's energy and infrastructure potential, highlights the increasing global focus on its long-term strategic value.

Following his presentation at the 2026 Pilbara Summit, Joep Vaessen, GHD's Market Leader – Energy – WA, contributed to a recent Financial Review article exploring the factors driving growing interest in the Pilbara and the considerations shaping its future as a data centre hub.

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GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 165 offices located on five continents.