Wonthaggi Desalination Plant Faces Environmental Concerns Amid Surge in AI Data Centre Water Demand
The ramp-up of the Wonthaggi Desalination Plant to meet the water needs of AI data centres raises ecological alarms. Environmentalists warn that this could lead to significant marine life loss and long-term environmental degradation.
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The Wonthaggi Desalination Plant is set to produce a record 150 billion litres of water for the 2026-27 supply year, significantly driven by increased demands from metropolitan AI data centres. This decision comes as state water storage levels have reached a six-year low, prompting the government to act swiftly to mitigate potential water shortages in Melbourne and Geelong.
Environmental groups contend that the desalination process will kill approximately 40 tonnes of marine life daily, which could destabilize local ecosystems, particularly affecting species like penguins and baby crayfish. Critics are calling for a thorough review of the plant's environmental impact as the state government prioritizes water supply over ecological health. The ongoing situation raises concerns about the sustainability of water and energy resources in the context of rapid technological expansion.
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