Energy North has revealed plans to build one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest data centres at Murranji Station in the Barkly region, leveraging abundant regional gas reserves and renewable energy sources to operate completely off-grid.
- Proposed 1GW first phase data centre off-grid in NT outback
- Powered by hydrogen-ready gas, solar, and 16GWh battery storage
- Could scale past 5GW; part of broader hyperscale trend in Australia
What happened
Energy North, a developer headquartered in Singapore and owned by Raggiana Global, has submitted a proposal to Australia's federal environment department for a large-scale data centre development on Murranji Station in the Northern Territory. Known as Project Ares, the plan centers on creating a mostly off-grid AI data centre campus powered by local gas resources, solar power, and substantial battery storage.
Why it matters
Project Ares represents a pioneering approach in the Australian data centre market, utilizing remote off-grid infrastructure that bypasses pressured coastal electricity grids. The Northern Territory’s rich gas deposits in the Beetaloo Basin provide a unique opportunity to supply reliable power while intending a gradual transition to cleaner energy sources, addressing ongoing regulator scrutiny on AI infrastructure energy use.
This ambitious development aligns with broader hyperscale investment trends in Australia, where technology giants and data centre operators seek expansive, affordable land and power solutions outside congested urban regions. At an estimated investment of up to AU$28 billion, it underscores the strategic shift toward renewable integration combined with transitional gas power to meet escalating AI computing demand.
What to watch next
Additionally, monitoring how the project balances initial reliance on gas-fired generation with its goal to eventually run on renewables will offer insights into the viability of hybrid power approaches for large-scale AI infrastructure in remote regions. The success or challenges faced by Project Ares could set a precedent for other hyperscale developments seeking off-grid solutions in Australia and beyond.