22 September 2026
The Victorian Government’s focus on ensuring data centre growth backed by new renewable energy is a welcome investment signal, according to the Clean Energy Investor Group.
Quotes attributable to Richie Merzian, Chief Executive of the Clean Energy Investor Group:
“Ensuring that data centre investment supports, not hinders, the energy transition in Victoria is a critical outcome for both clean energy investors and Victorian consumers.
“Victoria’s announcement today is a welcome and timely signal for major investors, while also complementing the national approach.”
“Victoria is the second biggest data centre market in the country, and AEMO’s forecast growth in energy demand from data centres underlines the importance of getting energy requirements right.”
“CEIG’s Clean Energy Outlook report revealed that three quarters of clean energy investors in Australia have felt the investment landscape has worsened over the past year. Cementing strong clean energy requirements, aligned across both State and Commonwealth levels can provide a confidence boost for clean energy investors as well as minimising consumer impacts of data centre roll-out.”
“We’ve seen a number of utility-scale renewable energy projects struggle to reach financial close across the National Electricity Market. With the right regulatory encouragement, data centres have the potential to provide the missing piece to get new clean energy projects over the line.
“Clean energy investors look forward to working with the Victorian, Commonwealth and other state and territory governments to work through the important details to ensure data centre developments are fully backed by renewable energy.”
Media enquiries: media@ceig.org.au
About the Clean Energy Investor Group
The Clean Energy Investor Group represents domestic and global renewable energy developers and investors, with more than 16GW of installed renewable energy capacity across more than 76 power stations and a combined portfolio value of around $38 billion. CEIG members’ project pipeline is estimated to be more than 46GW across Australia.
It is an investor body, representing the unique perspective of clean energy investors to regulators, policy makers and the broader energy sector.
