Initiative
Conduct a scoping study to establish the feasibility of establishing a commercial data centre in Darwin.
Overview
Conduct a study to examine the scope, viability and requirements to establish a commercial medium-to-large scale high security data centre in the Darwin area, with the intention of servicing national and international markets.
The study will:
- identify the advantages that make Darwin an attractive location
- examine the key elements required to establish a financially viable facility and
- consider the impediments and risks that could impact either the establishment or ongoing operation of a commercial data centre.
The outcomes of the study will allow government to assess the benefits, costs and risks of facilitating this development and explore the opportunity with potential operators.
Benefits
Data centres are the backbone of the new global technology environment. Businesses increasingly rely on access to high capacity computing services and escalating volumes of data to operate and compete.
Establishing a commercial data centre in Darwin to provide these services would generate significant investment and job opportunities in the construction and ongoing operation of the facility.
2020 progress update
The commercial data centre scoping study was completed in November 2019 and a commercial feasibility study is underway. A call for expressions of interest is expected to be issued in 2020.