$3.7B Kurri Kurri Data Centre to transform former aluminium smelter site with 550.5 MW power demand

A proposed AUD 3.7 billion data centre at the former Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri industrial site in New South Wales, Australia, could repurpose a major industrial property for digital infrastructure, with an estimated peak construction workforce of 1,210 people and around 254 ongoing jobs.

The Kurri Kurri Data Centre project, proposed at Hart Road, Loxford, is seeking approval for the fit-out and operation of a large-scale data storage facility with a planned power consumption of 550.5 megawatts (MW). The development application, listed as a State Significant Development under reference SSD-128819490, is currently at the public exhibition stage.

The proposal highlights how former aluminium industry sites could find new uses as demand for data storage and computing infrastructure expands.

To learn about the market potential of aluminium dross, explore "ALuminium Dross Processing: Generation, Recovery & Strategic Roadmap"

47,143 sqm facility planned for former aluminium industrial site

The proposed development would convert an already approved, two-storey industrial building into a data centre with a gross floor area of 47,143 square metres (sqm).

The planned facility would comprise approximately:

• 32,297 sqm of technical data halls for data storage and computing infrastructure.
• 1,481 sqm of ancillary office space.
• 13,365 sqm of corridors and other supporting areas.

The building envelope, with a maximum height of 17.84 metres, and associated earthworks have already received approval through a separate Complying Development Certificate. The current application focuses on the internal fit-out, operation and additional infrastructure required to run the data centre.

The overall site covers 20.91 hectares, providing space for the proposed facility and its supporting electrical and cooling infrastructure.

To keep your aluminium operations running efficiently, explore essential consumables and connect with global suppliers on AL Biz

550.5 MW power demand and extensive supporting infrastructure

Power supply and cooling will be central to the operation of the proposed data centre. The development plan includes 312 air-cooled chillers, lithium-ion battery storage, six backup diesel generators, an electrical switchyard and two substations.

The facility would connect to the Ausgrid electricity network through a dual 132-kilovolt (kV) connection.

The proposed data centre is designed to operate around the clock, seven days a week. Its planned power consumption of 550.5 MW makes electricity infrastructure a key component of the project.

Air cooling forms part of the proposed infrastructure, while battery storage and backup diesel generators are also included in the development plan. The available project information does not specify the proposed battery capacity, generator ratings or the data centre's anticipated annual electricity consumption.

1,210 construction jobs and 254 ongoing positions

The project's employment outlook is another significant element of the proposal. The Environmental Impact Statement estimates that construction and fit-out would take 14 months, with a peak workforce of 1,210 personnel.

Once operational, the data centre is expected to support approximately 254 full-time-equivalent positions.

These figures distinguish the temporary workforce required to deliver the development from the ongoing employment associated with operating the facility. However, the estimates remain part of the proposed project's assessment rather than confirmed employment outcomes.

Unlock key insights from leading companies and experts across the aluminium ecosystem with our e-Magazine - Mine to Market: Aluminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026

Development application awaits assessment

ADW Johnson Pty Ltd lodged the development application, while Willowtree Planning was responsible for preparing the Environmental Impact Statement. The project is identified as the Kurri Kurri Data Centre and falls within the Cessnock City local government area.

The application is currently listed as being on exhibition, allowing the proposal to proceed through the relevant planning assessment process. The building envelope and earthworks have separate approval, but the current application seeks consent for the data centre's internal fit-out, operation and associated infrastructure.

The project's application number, SSD-128819490, can be used to locate the proposal through the New South Wales Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.