The data centre market is continuing to evolve at a rapid pace. Demand for cloud capacity continues to increase whilst generative AI is revolutionising the design, scale and thus the required level of investment into the data centre space.

Driving the growth of the market are tech giants and hyperscalers as they rapidly upscale. Thus the makeup of the market is now being defined by hyperscalers as they look to increase both the number and size of data centres in Australia and across the globe. Australia remains an attractive base for data centre development against the backdrop of the APAC market and thus the opportunity to capitalise on national and global demand is huge.

In the race to meet such an unprecedent level of demand, data centre stakeholders face a number of industry defining challenges that must be overcome. Join this panel to uncover:

• Demand drivers: How AI, cloud computing, and IoT are fuelling exponential growth in the sector
• Development hurdles: Can Australia provide the access to power and water required for data centre development & how are planning requirements influencing the rate of development
• Geographic market analysis: The dominance of Sydney and Melbourne and the rise of Perth and Brisbane as new data centre hubs
• Growth trajectories and projections: Key factors influencing the market’s short- and long-term growth in Australia against growth in APAC
• Investment & development opportunities: Emerging trends and untapped opportunities for stakeholders in the data centre real estate market

Panellists include:

Laura Caspari, Chief Renewables Officer, Engie Au

Paul Dwyer, Chief Development Officer, Data Centres, ESR

Andrew Green, Director, Data Centres, Datacom

As the digital economy expands, data centres play a critical role in powering cloud services, AI, and global connectivity. However, this rapid growth raises pressing questions about their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact. From energy consumption and water usage to carbon emissions and ethical governance, the data centre sector is grappling with how to balance operational demands with sustainability goals.

This session will explore how to better balance the environmental and social trade-offs of hyperscale computing. A panel of data centre stakeholders including investors, owners, operators, and occupiers will share strategies to mitigate ESG risks while unlocking their benefits.

• What are the critical ESG risks and opportunities for data centres?
• How can supply chain collaboration drive sustainable outcomes?
• What innovative approaches should we prioritize in the short and long term?
• With the evolution of Deep Space, will the energy demands of DC’s decline and foster a more sustainable model?

Marcel Zalloua, CEO, ResetData

In conversation with

Sheridan Ware, Board Director, Sustainable Digitalisation Project and former CIO, Charter Hall

As demand for data capacity surges, the next generation of data centres must be faster to build, more cost-efficient, and increasingly sustainable. This session brings together WT Australia, Kapitol Group, and a leading data centre owner-operator to discuss cutting-edge construction techniques, cost management strategies, and operational innovations. Learn how collaboration between builders, consultants, and operators is driving efficiency, scalability, and resilience in Australia’s data centre industry.

• Speed & Efficiency: Streamlining construction timelines without compromising quality
• Cost & Sustainability: Balancing budgets while integrating sustainable solutions
• Future-Proofing: Designing for scalability, flexibility, and evolving technology needs

Tim Trimble, Construction Manager - Data Centres, Kapitol Group

Alex Lamond, National Data Centres Sector Lead, WT Australia

Join industry leaders and innovators as we tackle some of the most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities facing the industry today. In this interactive session, you can choose a focus group that aligns with your interests, allowing for deeper engagement on topics that matter most to you. Each roundtable will be led by a prominent voice in the industry, guiding discussions that will empower you to address your greatest challenges and uncover new possibilities. Don’t miss this chance to connect, collaborate, and innovate with peers in a supportive environment!

Round Table 1: Cooling the future – Managing power & heat challenges in AI-driven data centres

Moderated by: LuLu Shiraz, Senior Director – Sales, Vertiv Australia and New Zealand

Round Table 2: Developing next generation data centres

Moderated by: Alex Lamond, National Data Centres Sector Lead, WT Australia & Tim Trimble, Construction Manager – Data Centres, Kapitol Group

Round Table 3: Optimising power usage effectiveness

Round Table 4: Cooling strategies for AI-driven data centres

Moderated by: Mark Deguara, General Manager Data Centres, Schneider Electric

Round Table 5: Meeting the stringent safety and security requirements related to the protection of data centre assets

Round Table 6: Data Centres – Production & usage of renewable energy

Round Table 1: Cooling the future – Managing power & heat challenges in AI-driven data centres

LuLu Shiraz, Senior Director - Sales, Vertiv Australia and New Zealand

Round Table 2: Developing next generation data centres

Alex Lamond, National Data Centres Sector Lead, WT Australia

Round Table 4: Cooling strategies for AI-driven data centres

Mark Deguara, General Manager, Data Centres, Schneider Electric

This session provides a deep dive into the financial landscape of the data centre real estate sector, uncovering the growing interest from private equity firms, real estate investment trusts and institutional investors. This panel will bring together leading fund managers, financial analysts and capital markets specialists to discuss the dynamics shaping capital flows and corporate transactions. Whether you are an established investor or new to the sector, this session will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of data centre real estate investment.

• Private Equity and REIT involvement: The role of institutional investors in funding and shaping the data centre landscape
• Structuring Investments for Long-Term Returns: Strategies to align financial models with market trends and operational demands
• ROI Evaluation: Key metrics and considerations for assessing the profitability of data centre real estate investments

Panellists include:

Michael Gold, General Manager Data Centre Investments, Macquarie Technology Group

Andrew Fitzpatrick, Principal Investment, Warburg Pincus

Adam Gibson, Managing Partner, Techvox Australia

Moderated by:

Alex Moffat, Australian Head of APAC Data Centre Capital Markets, Cushman & Wakefield

AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) drive higher rack densities, introducing new power and cooling challenges for IT infrastructure. This underscores the need for seamless collaboration in the design, construction, and operation of critical data center infrastructure.

• Strategies for managing increased power demands and heat generation in AI-driven data centres
• The role of liquid cooling and other emerging technologies in maintaining energy efficiency
• Collaborative approaches between operators, engineers, and technology providers to future-proof data centre infrastructure

LuLu Shiraz, Senior Director - Sales, Vertiv Australia and New Zealand

The rapid growth of data centres is reshaping Australia’s digital infrastructure, but accelerated development faces significant hurdles, particularly in planning approvals. Local zoning laws, environmental considerations, and resource challenges—especially in states like NSW with complex local government regulations—can hinder progress. This panel will bring together experts in design, policy, and sustainability to discuss strategies for streamlining approvals, managing environmental impacts, and aligning development with regulatory and community expectations.

• Zoning and site selection: Examining how local zoning laws and infrastructure requirements shape site selection and strategies to ensure connectivity and alignment with resource needs
• Environmental sustainability: Tackling the challenges of energy and water consumption with innovative solutions, such as renewable energy integration, cooling system advancements, and waste heat management
• Streamlining approval processes: Navigating complex planning regulations, including the SEARs process and local council requirements, with insights from recent successful projects
• Balancing stakeholder demands: Addressing the expectations of communities, policymakers, and environmental authorities to ensure responsible and efficient development

Panellists include:

Sumit Mukhija, CEO, DCI Data Centers

Baz Tarhini, Project Director (Data Centres), Hickory

Barnaby Bennett, Senior Design Advisor, Government Architect NSW

Join some of the most innovative thinkers in the data centre sector as they explore how cutting-edge technology, design, and services are shaping the future of the industry.

In this dynamic rapid-fire session, five forward-thinking companies will showcase their groundbreaking approaches to developing and operating data centres, offering valuable insights into the latest trends and solutions.

• Innovation Talk 1: High-Performance Sustainable Facades: Strategies for Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact Reduction

Led by: John Joseph, Director, Aambianz Pty

• Innovation Talk 2: Maximising data centre cooling

Led by: Saed Elhelou, Data Centre Leader – Pacific, Johnson Controls

Innovation Talk 3 : Optimizing Energy Flow: Efficient Grid-to-Data Centre Solutions for a Sustainable Future Sahil Gupta, Head of Data Centres, Siemens

• Innovation Talk 4

The increasing demand for data infrastructure has created a strong case for repurposing legacy commercial and industrial properties. Industrial buildings can benefit from large footprints, high ceilings, and reliable access to power and water, all critical elements for data centre operations. Furthermore, the strategic locations of many commercial buildings in urban centres provide huge advantages for connectivity and latency reduction. Despite the appeal, repurposing industrial and office spaces into data centres presents several challenges, including the need for substantial retrofitting, environmental considerations, and regulatory hurdles. In this case study we examine immersion cooling technology; providing a sustainable, high density data centre solution that requires a much smaller footprint. We will discuss ResetData’s current plans to activate under-utilised real estate space to deploy liquid immersion cooled “Edge” Data Centres.

• Liquid Immersion Cooling Technology – The opportunity to provide a more sustainable and accessible data centre network

• Edge Data Centre Opportunities in Office Spaces: Assessing the viability of converting vacant offices into data centres

Marcel Zalloua, CEO, ResetData

As AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) drive unprecedented power and cooling demands, data centre operators must rethink traditional infrastructure strategies. Energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainability are no longer optional—they are mission-critical. This session, led by experts from Schneider Electric, will explore how innovative power and cooling solutions are shaping the future of data centre real estate. Attendees will gain actionable insights into next-gen energy management, liquid cooling innovations, and automation-driven efficiency to future-proof their operations.

• Managing the energy demands of AI & HPC: How AI workloads are reshaping power consumption and grid requirements
• Next-Gen cooling technologies: The role of liquid cooling, immersion cooling, and AI-driven thermal management in tackling rising heat densities
• Sustainability & renewable integration: How data centres can incorporate microgrids, battery storage, and renewable energy sources for efficiency and ESG compliance
• Automation & real-time energy optimisation: Leveraging AI-powered Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM) to enhance operational efficiency

Mark Deguara, General Manager, Data Centres, Schneider Electric

As data centres grow in scale and density, they are becoming a cornerstone of the global digital economy and a major consumer of electricity. In Australia, this rapid expansion raises critical questions about the resilience and capacity of the power grid to meet surging energy demands.

This panel will delve into strategies for balancing the energy needs of data centres with the broader goals of grid stability and sustainability. Industry leaders will share insights into how data centres can participate in energy markets, adopt innovative technologies, and collaborate with utilities to create a more resilient energy ecosystem.

• Capacity and connection challenges: Addressing the availability of capacity at network connection points and navigating regulatory processes for timely approvals
• Energy efficiency and market participation: Exploring innovations in energy efficiency and how data centres can actively engage in energy trading, demand response, and renewable energy integration
• Managing impacts on the grid: Mitigating network impacts such as harmonic disturbance and system strength while ensuring grid stability
• Stakeholder collaboration: Fostering partnerships with energy providers, policymakers, and communities to balance development needs with environmental, cultural, and social considerations

Panellists include:

Richard Pawlik, General Manager Infrastructure Investment, AusNet

Keith Middleton, Managing Director, Middleton Group

Colin Crisafulli, General Manager – Customer Future Grid, Endeavour Energy

Laura Caspari, Chief Renewables Officer, Engie Au

Moderated by:

Matt Gurr, ANZ Market Director,, AECOM

• Exploring the impact of rising rental rates and how it affects current and prospective tenants 
• Adapting strategies for scalability and capacity to meet evolving technological needs  
• Examining the importance of Data Centre security, access and compliance  
• Investigating the pros and cons of single and multi-tenant arrangements