Canberra has about 15 data centers, mostly on industrial estates and one in suburban Bruce, and more are coming. The largest operator, Canberra-founded CDC Data Centres, runs eight data centers on four campuses in the ACT, serving federal agencies and national security clients. In September 2026 it lodged a development application for Beard 2, a $200 million, three-story building with 12 data halls and on-site emergency generators, next to its Beard building, which is still being fitted out and will have 40 megawatts of power. The government says another data center may be extended in Hume.
Canberra has seen little of the opposition found elsewhere. Operators credit closed-loop cooling that does not draw on the water supply and the territory's 100% renewable electricity. Chief Minister Andrew Barr says there is no need to pause new data centers because ACT rules likely already meet proposed national standards, and he wants any new large power user to "bring with them a renewable energy solution." He has also said the ACT's water supply can cope for another 10 to 15 years, after which the government faces a decision.
After national cabinet agreed on data center standards in August 2026, Barr announced an ACT framework setting where data centers may be built and how proposals are assessed, with protections for homes and water. The government aims to release a draft in early 2027.
Projects not tied to an area
Sites whose records name no county. Everything else is on the pages listed above.
Australian Capital Territory3
| Project | Company | Status | Power | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STACK Canberra (CAN01)ACT | STACK Infrastructure | 28 MW | ||
| Equinix Canberra Hub (CA1)Mitchell ACT | Equinix | Not reported | Source off site ↗ | |
| NEXTDC C1 CanberraACT | NEXTDC | Not reported |
Where this comes from
The reporting above was written from these. Open one and check it yourself.
Every project above is drawn from public records, filings and local reporting. Each row links to what it is based on. Statuses change, so check the source date before you rely on one. Found something wrong? Write to [email protected] and it gets fixed.