Submissions close on 1 GW Project Meridien AI data centre

Public submissions close on 4 November on Project Meridien, a proposed AI data centre and energy hub on Karajarri Country in Western Australia, according to National Indigenous Times. Proponent Gingerah Energy referred the project for federal review under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

The proposed site covers 27,520 hectares in the Great Sandy Desert, about 100 kilometres south of Broome. Plans include a 1,000 MW data centre, a 5,200 MW solar farm, 1,500 MW of wind generation, a 1,500 MW gas fired power station and battery storage.

Environs Kimberley wants the federal government to reject the referral and require more information about possible effects on migratory birds, threatened species and Ramsar listed wetlands. Threatened species recorded within the proposed footprint include the Greater Bilby, and the region supports 75 recorded reptile species, including the critically endangered Northern Bluetongue Skink.

Gingerah Energy is a joint venture involving the Karajarri Traditional Lands Association, Longreach Capital Investments and Fugro. The proponents said Karajarri representatives hold direct ownership and participate in the project, while cultural assessments identified areas unsuitable for construction.