About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of fossil fuels on the AI data centre boom in Australia, featuring insights from climate expert Ketan Joshi.

Right now, AI data-centre mega-hubs as large as 350 hectares are being planned across Australia – that’s the equivalent of 175 MCG playing fields. And the energy they need to fuel them is just as huge: more than the total output of an entire coal plant. The solution? So-called “shadow grids” built in partnership between the data centres and big gas, where gas-fired power plants are placed directly on site, powering the centres and generating huge emissions in the process. Today, Ketan Joshi, climate expert and co-author of a new Greenpeace report, on the relationship between fossil fuel companies and data centres, and Australia’s vulnerability in the AI race.   If you enjoy 7am , the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support .   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Climate expert Ketan Joshi Photo:  REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Guest: Ketan Joshi

Topics covered

• data centres
• fossil fuels
• AI boom
• climate change
• energy consumption
• shadow grids

Keywords

• data centres
• fossil fuels
• AI
• climate expert
• energy consumption
• shadow grids
• Greenpeace

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Greenpeace, Solstice Media, AI

Places: Australia, MCG

More episodes of 7am

• Policy advisor Rinehart and One Nation’s three million dollar payday · June 12, 2026 · 16 min
• Emily Maitlis on the Belfast riots, Elon Musk, and the anti-migrant frenzy · June 11, 2026 · 16 min
• “Hit them hard”: Trump unleashes on Iran amid claims he’s lost control · June 11, 2026 · 15 min
• Ditch the Witch 2.0 and the personal toll of sexist abuse in politics · June 10, 2026 · 16 min
• Inside the Neo-Nazi compound funded by millionaires · June 9, 2026 · 15 min
• Meet Jeni and her 2681 alter personalities: together they made legal history · June 8, 2026 · 19 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the 7am podcast page.