AirTrunk secures A$4.25bn green loan for SYD3

Author: Joe Peck

Australian data centre operator AirTrunk has secured A$4.25 billion (£2.2 billion) in green financing to expand its SYD3 data centre campus in Western Sydney, with completion expected by mid-2028.

The financing will fund the continued development of SYD3, adding infrastructure for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other digital services used by Australian businesses, government, and communities.

AirTrunk expects the project to support more than 10,000 jobs across construction, engineering, logistics, trades, and safety.

The green loan includes margin adjustments, with contributions from any resulting savings directed towards local charities working in STEM education, digital equity, biodiversity, conservation, sustainable innovation, and disaster relief.

AirTrunk says SYD3 is generating opportunities for contractors and suppliers across Western Sydney and Australia, including in manufacturing, freight, civil engineering, and electrical and mechanical services. In FY26, the company worked with 615 Australian suppliers, accounting for A$3.4 billion (£1.8 billion) in supplier activity.

Expansion brings jobs and supply chain investment

To support construction, AirTrunk is using a 25,000m² buffer zone in Western Sydney to store, stage, and pre-commission equipment before delivery to the campus. The company has also invested in dedicated charter vessels to transport equipment through Port Botany, Port Kembla, and other locations.

Tom Mackellar, Vice President of Origination and Market Expansion at AirTrunk, explains, “SYD3 is a long-term investment in Western Sydney and Australia’s digital capability, backed by the confidence of leading Australian and international banks.

“As the campus develops, it’s building a regional ecosystem through active hiring, sustained project activity, and strategic supply chain partnerships, creating opportunities for local workers, contractors, and businesses while delivering infrastructure Australians increasingly rely on.

“The green financing also reflects our view that sustainability should be built into how digital infrastructure is funded and delivered. We’re focused on responsible growth that creates lasting value for communities in the regions where we operate.”

AirTrunk adds that it will continue working with local contractors, suppliers, and community partners, whilst supporting workforce development through apprenticeships, vocational education partnerships, and post-trade training.

Australian capacity and emissions targets

AirTrunk operates five Australian data centre campuses with more than 1.2GW of capacity. It has reportedly invested more than A$12 billion (£6.3 billion) in Australian projects and plans to invest a further A$75 billion (£39.5 billion) over the next decade.

The latest financing brings the company’s total committed debt financing globally to approximately A$38.4 billion (£20.2 billion), including more than A$19.8 billion (£10.4 billion) for Australian projects.

The company’s emissions strategy includes a target to reach net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030, alongside reductions in Scope 3 emissions through measures such as lower embodied carbon in new builds. At SYD3, construction measures include lower-carbon steel and concrete, and a target to divert at least 90% of non-hazardous construction waste from landfill.

Construction of the expanded campus, led by A W Edwards, is underway, with completion expected by mid-2028.

The loan is backed by a consortium of 32 Australian and international financial institutions, with 14 banks having underwritten the facility, including BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, ING, Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank, National Australia Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, and Société Générale.

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