Hyperscale data centre specialist AirTrunk and renewable energy developer, builder, owner, and operator European Energy Australia have signed an exclusivity agreement to progress two renewable energy projects in the Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia.

Two projects would add more than a gigawatt of renewables and storage

The proposed projects comprise a 260 MW solar project, a battery project of more than 800 MWh, and an up-to-350 MW wind project located in the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone. Together, they could add more than a gigawatt of new renewables generation and storage to NSW's electricity system. The Hunter projects could contribute more than 600 MW of new generation plus over 800 MWh of storage.

The two companies are progressing project development and discussing a potential long-term power purchase agreement to support AirTrunk's NSW energy requirements, including its proposed Kurri Kurri data centre campus.

The projects are expected to begin operating in 2030 for the solar and battery components and 2032 for the wind project. European Energy is planning to connect them to Ausgrid's upgraded 132-kilovolt network in the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, with the connections subject to final connection arrangements, approvals, and further technical assessments.

Meeting government expectations for new energy supply

The Australian Government expects new data centres to secure new and additional clean energy generation and/or storage to offset their demand while managing energy use and contributing to a secure and stable electricity grid. The NSW Data Centre Guidelines similarly expect operators to fund the additional energy supply and infrastructure their projects require, without shifting net costs to households, businesses, or communities.

AirTrunk is working with energy partners and networks to bring new supply forward alongside its growth, and the proposed Hunter projects and the discussions about a long-term power purchase agreement form part of that work. Both the projects and the potential agreement remain subject to further development, approvals, and final arrangements.

Robin Khuda, Founder and CEO of AirTrunk, said, "Digital growth must bring new energy with it. The Australian Government's expectations and NSW's guidelines set a high bar for the industry. This partnership is an important step towards delivering on that commitment."

Sabooh Whitelaw, AVP Energy at AirTrunk, said, "We understand the community wants to know how Kurri Kurri's electricity needs will be supported. Our focus is on bringing new renewable generation forward and securing renewable electricity through long-term supply arrangements."

Catriona McLeod, Managing Director of European Energy Australia, said, "It's great to see AirTrunk and the tech sector embracing renewable energy; partnerships like this allow us to bring more renewables online and add more energy to the grid."

Partnership builds on newly opened Mulwala Solar Farm

The agreement builds on the companies' existing collaboration at the 31 MW Mulwala Solar Farm in New South Wales, which officially opened this week and is now supplying renewable electricity to NSW's grid.

The companies will continue to explore further renewable energy opportunities together.

Hunter renewables to support Kurri Kurri data centre proposal

AirTrunk is proposing a data centre on the former Kurri Kurri smelter site at Loxford, reusing land with an established industrial history. The company says the project would support jobs and economic opportunities in the Hunter and make use of existing infrastructure.

Over the past four months, AirTrunk has engaged with the local community through information sessions, project updates, and a drop-in hub, and it says it will continue listening and sharing information as the proposal progresses through the planning process.

Whitelaw added, "The Hunter projects are an important step, but more renewable generation and firming will be needed to support Kurri Kurri and AirTrunk's wider NSW needs. We'll continue working with developers and energy partners to progress further projects across Australia."

Renewables matching on track for 2030

AirTrunk is committed to matching 100% of its electricity use with renewable energy by 2030 as part of its Net Zero 2030 target. In FY26, around 73% of the company's electricity use was matched with renewable energy across its portfolio.

AirTrunk is working to increase that share by supporting new renewable generation and securing long-term supply as its operations grow.

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