Anthropic has executed its first data center agreement in Australia, securing dedicated facility space at Western Downs Digital Park.
Two people familiar with the transaction reported that AI giant Anthropic has signed its first data centre lease agreement in Australia. The deal capitalises on a favourable political climate and abundant renewable resources to secure capacity at a facility that would rank among the world’s largest computing installations. According to one source, the leased campus carries a planned capacity of 2.16 gigawatts, placing it on par with the largest operational data centres globally. The proposed site, located on farmland approximately 250 kilometres from Brisbane, is scheduled to begin operations in 2027.
The agreement positions Anthropic as the latest artificial intelligence heavyweight to establish a presence in Australia, following OpenAI’s offtake agreement for a Sydney data centre last year. Companies are increasingly racing to secure power and land in a nation marketed as a low-cost, renewable-energy-rich alternative to the more congested markets in the United States and Asia. This development follows a recent public appeal by Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, who urged AI firms to moderate the pace of model capability advancements amid growing concerns over potential misuse. His position received backing from Elon Musk, founder of rival xAI, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Conversely, US President Donald Trump dismissed such warnings, characterising AI critics as “very negative forces” promoting scenarios he believes will not materialise.
Domestically, the Australian government has addressed community concerns regarding land, water, and electricity consumption by pledging to implement resource-use restrictions for data centres starting in 2027. Despite these forthcoming regulations, officials continue to actively pursue an investment surge that economists project could reach $150 billion across Australia by 2030.
Under the terms of the lease, Anthropic will occupy a facility developed by Singapore-based Zerra DC. The developer will manage renewable power purchase agreements and cover grid connection expenses, ensuring no additional costs are passed on to existing utility customers. The individuals providing these details declined further commentary, citing authorisation restrictions. Both Anthropic and Zerra DC declined to comment publicly. The facility will be dedicated exclusively to inference—rapid, prediction-based processing—rather than model training, aligning with Australia’s stated intention to restrict the use of domestically generated content for training purposes under new AI regulations. Additionally, the site will employ a closed-loop, air-cooled system designed to minimise clean water consumption during server heat dissipation. The transaction remains contingent upon approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli formally confirmed the agreement in state parliament, noting the government’s role in promoting the state as a viable host. “Earlier today Anthropic signed an historic agreement for their first Australian data centre,” he said. “Queensland will be home to the Western Downs Digital Park - a long-term commitment to our state with the site planned to come online in 2027.” Crisafulli added, “I met with Anthropic during my recent trade mission to outline why Queensland was the place to invest, with energy security and a streamlined approvals process.” He concluded, “To have secured Anthropic’s first major investment in Australia is a massive show of confidence in Queensland.”
Real estate asset manager Dexus also validated the arrangement in an ASX statement, disclosing its stake in Australian Data Centres (ADC), which in turn holds an interest in the consortium comprising Zerra DC and Macquarie Capital developing the Western Downs Digital Park. “The consortium has entered into lease documentation with the Australian subsidiary of Anthropic for the delivery of the first stage of the campus, subject to customary approvals,” Dexus said.
Additional reporting by iTnews.