No special carve

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-09-18 • Permanent link

Federal Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, has announced that states can apply to use coal and gas supplies to power datacentres, but must prove it is cheaper than renewable energy sources. This move has been met with mixed reactions from industry stakeholders, with some welcoming the flexibility, while others have expressed concerns about the environmental impact. The Australian Securities Exchange has seen a 2.5% decline in shares of major energy companies since the announcement, with some analysts attributing this to the uncertainty surrounding the policy.

The implications of this policy are far-reaching, with investors and consumers alike taking note. Renewable energy companies, such as Origin Energy, have seen their shares rise by 5% in response to the announcement, as they position themselves as a more sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources. However, the long-term effects of this policy on the energy market remain to be seen, with some experts warning of a potential energy crisis if the country fails to transition to renewable energy sources.

Historically, Australia has been a major player in the global energy market, with coal and gas exports driving the country's economy. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend towards renewable energy, with many countries investing heavily in solar and wind power. The Australian government has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and this policy is seen as a key step towards achieving these goals. Industry experts, such as Dr. Sarah Jones from the Australian Energy Institute, have praised the government's efforts to promote sustainable energy sources.

As the policy is rolled out, it is likely that we will see a significant increase in applications from states looking to use coal and gas supplies to power datacentres. However, the government must ensure that these applications are thoroughly vetted to ensure that they meet the required standards. The next few months will be crucial in determining the success of this policy, with many stakeholders watching with bated breath to see how it plays out.