In 2019, a new venture in the Australian outback looked set to export our solar power to the world – upending our neighbours’ reliance on fossil fuels.

Backed by the billionaires Mike Cannon-Brookes and Andrew Forrest – Sun Cable was supposed to be Australia’s largest ever renewable energy project, transporting electricity to Singapore via 4,300 kilometres of sea cable.

It was meant to show what a different future could look like – one where Australia could export massive amounts of renewable power. But now, that future is being overtaken by something else entirely.

As big tech converges on Australia to build data centres for AI, there’s a fight over how to use our renewable energy – and big tech is winning.

Today, writer and senior research associate with the Australia Institute, Ketan Joshi, on how Australia’s AI push is colliding with the energy transition — and what it means for our emissions, our power grid, and the dream of becoming a clean energy exporter.

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

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Guest: Senior Research Associate with the Australia Institute, Ketan Joshi

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

In 2019, a new venture in the Australian outback looked set to export our solar power to the world &ndash; upending our neighbours&rsquo; reliance on fossil fuels.
Backed by the billionaires Mike Cannon-Brookes and Andrew Forrest &ndash; Sun Cable was supposed to be Australia&rsquo;s largest ever renewable energy project, transporting electricity to Singapore via 4,300 kilometres of sea cable.
It was meant to show what a different future could look like &ndash; one where Australia could export massive amounts of renewable power. But now, that future is being overtaken by something else entirely.
As big tech converges on Australia to build data centres for AI, there&rsquo;s a fight over how to use our renewable energy &ndash; and big tech is winning.
Today, writer and senior research associate with the Australia Institute, Ketan Joshi, on how Australia&rsquo;s AI push is colliding with the energy transition &mdash; and what it means for our emissions, our power grid, and the dream of becoming a clean energy exporter.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Senior Research Associate with the Australia Institute, Ketan Joshi
Photo:&nbsp;AAP Image/Lukas Coch

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

How AI is draining Australia’s green power

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