Energy North has submitted a referral to Australia's national environmental regulator for Project Ares, a proposed hyperscale data centre (DC) campus to be built on Murranji Station in the Northern Territory's Barkly Region. The 19,150-hectare campus would comprise approximately 90 hectares of data halls, with a total computing capacity of 1 gigawatt and operate for more than 25 years. The project is currently open for public comment.

Off-grid from the outset

Project Ares would operate entirely off-grid, powered by a blend of solar and gas-fired electricity. The solar infrastructure alone would span between 6,000 and 7,000 hectares, with gas providing firm power and independent backup capacity.

Water for cooling and potable use would be drawn from the Montejinni Limestone Aquifer at up to 4 gigalitres per year. The site's proximity to subsea cable infrastructure connecting Australia to Asia, abundant sunlight, groundwater access, and relative isolation from populated areas were all cited as key suitability factors.

NT positioned as Australia's digital gateway

Northern Territory Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill says the Territory has become a significant focus for data centre proponents across the region.

"The Northern Territory is uniquely positioned to become Australia's digital gateway to Asia. Darwin offers the lowest-latency connection from Australia into Southeast Asia, backed by a rapidly expanding subsea cable network," Cahill says.

She adds that global demand for artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and sovereign data infrastructure is placing pressure on established hubs like Sydney and Singapore, creating a real opening for the Territory. The NT government is currently engaged with 12 investors on proposed data centre projects.

Scale of the build

If approved, construction would require a temporary workers' village accommodating up to 4,300 staff, alongside a 2-kilometre sealed airstrip and dedicated rail infrastructure. At full operation, the campus would employ up to 500 full-time workers.

Energy North says it will continue to engage with traditional owners and neighbouring pastoral leaseholders as Project Ares moves through the environmental assessment process.

Image: Envato

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