The UWA Data Institute recently co-hosted Data Centres: Storm in a Digital Teacup? with the UWA Public Policy Institute, bringing together researchers, industry and policy perspectives to explore the rapidly growing demand for data centre infrastructure.
The discussion considered data centres from a range of angles — from the infrastructure and energy systems required to support them, to the investment, innovation and employment opportunities they create, and the implications of their growth for planning, the environment and local communities.
The panel featured Anna Zenz, who explored the policy, legal and community dimensions; Dr Ronnie Das, who considered how AI infrastructure can translate into real-world impact; Xinan Zhang, who examined the energy systems required to support data centre growth; Mark Stickells AM, who discussed the infrastructure needed for an AI-powered economy; and Adam Gardner, who challenged the audience to consider what the world would look like without the data centres we increasingly rely on.
The panel discussion and audience Q&A highlighted that data centres are about far more than technology. Their development intersects with energy, infrastructure, investment, planning, policy, the environment and communities, raising important questions as demand for computing capacity continues to grow.
The event demonstrated the value of bringing different disciplines and industry perspectives together to examine complex issues at the intersection of data, technology and society.
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