Australian court hears cumulative impacts of data centre gas plants
Court reviews 16‑MW gas plant appeal while Devon residents oppose a large AI data centre
Key facts
- Nakar Property applied for a 16‑MW gas‑fired plant in Moss Vale, according to ABC Illawarra: Penny Burfitt.
- The Land and Environment Court hearing began on 20 October 2026.
- The developer has a 14‑MW plant approved and seeks approval for a 673‑MW plant.
- Community members urged the court to consider cumulative impacts of all three plants.
- Residents in Devon oppose a large AI data centre, according to the New York Times.
On 20 October 2026, the Land and Environment Court in Moss Vale heard arguments about a 16‑MW gas‑fired plant proposed by Nakar Property. The applicant also has a 14‑MW plant approved and seeks approval for a 673‑MW plant. Community members urged the court to consider cumulative impacts of all three plants.
Dane Shanahan, a Gundungurra man, spoke about the project’s effect on his community. He said the planning system treats each plant as a separate issue. Residents said the cumulative impact on their environment and heritage is ignored.
In Devon, England, plans to build one of Europe’s largest AI data centres were announced. Residents opposed the project, citing environmental concerns. The New York Times reported that the backlash has reached a quiet corner of rural England.
Both cases involve communities raising concerns about environmental impacts, according to the sources.
Context
The 16‑MW plant was intended to power data centres, and the developer has also secured approval for a 14‑MW plant and seeks approval for a 673‑MW plant. In Devon, residents have opposed a large AI data centre project, citing environmental concerns.
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