WSJ Tech News Briefing · Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Australia plans to implement new standards for AI providers and large data centers, requiring them to underwrite their own electricity and water supplies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the government will soon introduce these rules to prevent data centers from impacting consumer energy bills. The National Cabinet will discuss these standards in August, with legislation anticipated early next year.
“Australia plans to require data centers to underwrite their electricity and water supplies. The country's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said today, the government will soon introduce a set of standards for AI providers.”
“The new standards will set out rules for large data centers, including a legal obligation to source their own new power supply, pay their full share of connection costs, so consumers' energy bills aren't affected, reduce power when needed to strengthen the power grid, and be as water efficient as possible.”
“Albanese said the government will establish an office of AI to accelerate implementation of the industry's standards on a national level. The National Cabinet will discuss the new standards in August, and legislation is expected early next year.”