AirTrunk advances 1GW Hunter renewables partnership
Author: Joe Peck
Australian data centre operator AirTrunk and renewable energy developer European Energy Australia have signed an exclusivity agreement to progress renewable energy and storage projects in the Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia, with potential combined capacity exceeding 1GW.
The proposed developments comprise a 260MW solar project, a battery storage facility exceeding 800MWh, and a wind project of up to 350MW. Together, they could add more than 1GW of renewable generation and storage capacity to the state’s electricity system.
The companies are progressing development work and discussing a potential long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) to support AirTrunk’s electricity requirements in New South Wales, including its proposed Kurri Kurri data centre campus.
The projects are expected to begin operating between 2030 (for the solar and battery developments) and 2032 (for the wind project). European Energy plans to connect them to Ausgrid’s upgraded 132kV network within the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, subject to approvals, technical assessments, and final connection arrangements.
Renewable energy supply for data centre growth
The partnership comes amid Australian Government expectations that new data centres secure additional clean energy generation and storage to offset their electricity demand, whilst also supporting grid stability.
The NSW Data Centre Guidelines also expect operators to fund the additional energy supply and infrastructure required by their developments, without transferring net costs to households, businesses, or communities.
Robin Khuda, founder and CEO of AirTrunk, notes, “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, adds, “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, says, “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.”
The agreement builds on the companies’ work at the 31MW Mulwala Solar Farm, which officially opened in November 2026 and is now supplying renewable electricity to the New South Wales grid. They also intend to explore further renewable energy developments.
Kurri Kurri data centre plans
AirTrunk is proposing a data centre on the former Kurri Kurri smelter site at Loxford, reusing land with an established industrial history. The development is intended to create employment and economic opportunities in the Hunter region whilst making use of existing infrastructure.
The company says it has engaged with local communities over the past four months through information sessions, project updates, and a public drop-in hub. It intends to continue providing information and gathering feedback as the proposal progresses through the planning process.
Sabooh Whitelaw continues, “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.”
AirTrunk is also targeting 100% renewable energy matching for its electricity consumption by 2030, as part of its Net Zero 2030 commitment. The company reports that approximately 73% of its electricity use across its portfolio was matched with renewable energy in FY26.
For more from AirTrunk, click here.
