A research and development facility for AI has been approved by a Tasmanian council, reviving calls to overhaul planning rules criticised as not fit for purpose.
AI data centre builder Firmus will convert an existing warehouse at the former Wesley Vale pulp mill, in the state’s north-west, into a 26-megawatt facility for AI computing operations and research into alternative power sources during interruptions.
“Our Wesley Vale facility will allow Tasmanian engineers to test novel operating strategies for AI infrastructure and help solve a challenge facing the industry globally,” co-founder and principal engineer for research and development (R&D) Jonathan Levee said.
“Building on software we developed and patented in Tasmania, we’re exploring how AI computing can be more flexible and respond to electricity grid conditions.
“And how technologies such as batteries could help reduce reliance on diesel generators.”
Separate to the R&D facility, Firmus remains committed to building an AI data centre at the site, also 26 megawatts, which the Latrobe Council has sought the state government to assess as a major project.
The company, which has plans to build three AI data centres in Tasmania, withdrew its highly anticipated public offering on the Australian stock market last month after investor interest cooled.
ABC
We need AI to be successful and Australia like most things is planning on tanking that opportunity too!