A proposed multi-billion-dollar data centre and energy hub at Tungkillo is facing immediate community pushback, with more than 720 residents joining an online action group within days of the plans coming to light.
Developer Quantum DC wants to build the 1,200-megawatt Tungkillo Compute and Energy Hub across 220 hectares at 312 Collins Road. The massive complex would rank among the largest data centre developments in Australia, featuring a 275-kilovolt substation, battery storage, and 400 megawatts of gas-fired backup generation.
The newly established community group, Say NO to the Tungkillo Hyperscale Data Centre, have raised major environmental and agricultural concerns. Key issues highlighted by opponents include potential groundwater depletion from shared unconfined aquifers, severe road wear and dust on Collins Road, and electromagnetic field impacts on commercial agriculture and beekeeping.
The group is preparing a formal petition to present to state authorities and planning consultants to fight the development.
In published project information, Quantum DC says the facility would use closed-loop, direct-to-chip liquid cooling technology designed to operate with minimal continuous water consumption. However, public documents do not specify total annual water requirements, water sources, or heat management plans during extreme summer temperatures.
Quantum DC is pursuing approval through South Australia’s essential infrastructure assessment pathway, targeting its first electricity supply in 2028.
Planning consultancy URPS is coordinating early community engagement and will host two drop-in sessions this week for residents to review plans ahead of a formal development application:
- Thursday, 29 October: 4.30pm to 6.30pm at the Tungkillo Soldiers Memorial Hall (O’Briens Street, Tungkillo)
- Saturday, 31 October: 11.00am to 1.00pm at the Mannum Leisure Centre (Senior Citizens’ Room, 51 Adelaide Road, Mannum)
The debate comes as another major computing proposal faces community scrutiny in the region, with Firmus Technologies advancing a separate AI data centre project at Tailem Bend in the Murraylands.
