The Front
The Front
The Australian
Our energy grid can’t power AI data centres. Do we need nuclear?
12 minutes Posted Sep 22, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
0:00
12:01
Download MP3
Show notes

We love solar - maybe a bit too much. We’re about to embrace data centres - but can our grid cope? And can we finally talk about nuclear again? Today The Australian’s Energy Nation forum tackles the big energy policy questions - and we’re setting the scene with chief business correspondent Perry Williams.

Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

AI data centres face green power mandates and location bans near homes and schools

Anthropic signs mega data centre deal in Queensland

AGL tells NSW its electricity network reforms proposed for data centres should reuse existing high-capacity connections

Snowy Hydro sits on contractor cost review for three months amid blowout fears

This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.