1414 Degrees has secured a Heads of Agreement to develop a gigawatt-scale AI data centre precinct powered by renewable energy at its Aurora site in South Australia.
- Heads of Agreement signed for up to 1 GW AI data centre
- Development staged from 17 MW starter to 200 MW anchor campus
- Exclusivity over 40 hectares within 1580-hectare Aurora precinct
- Partnership leverages Aurora's solar and battery storage assets
- Commercial terms and definitive agreements pending
Ambitious AI Data Centre Project Anchored in Renewables
1414 Degrees (ASX:14D) has entered a Heads of Agreement with an Australian data centre operator to develop up to 1 gigawatt of AI data centre infrastructure at its Aurora Energy Precinct in South Australia. This partnership aims to capitalise on Aurora's large-scale renewable energy assets, including up to 900 MW of solar generation and a 140 MW / 280 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), positioning the precinct as a major player in Australia's burgeoning AI infrastructure market.
The agreement grants the operator exclusivity over an initial 40-hectare parcel within the expansive 1580-hectare Aurora site, which boasts grid access through 33kV and 275kV connections, fibre connectivity, and water access, all critical for data centre operations. Development is planned in three phases: a 17 MW starter campus utilising the existing 33kV connection, a 200 MW anchor campus following the connection of the 275kV transmission line, and a longer-term expansion to gigawatt scale as renewable generation capacity is progressively built out.
Modular Design and Strategic Location
The data centre infrastructure will employ modular technology designed for renewable generation and storage assets, allowing flexibility to relocate or upgrade as technology advances. This modular approach aligns well with Aurora’s renewable energy setup, providing behind-the-meter power and grid connectivity tailored for high-demand users.
Dr Kevin Moriarty, Executive Chairman of 1414 Degrees, highlighted that the 33kV connection enables early-stage development to commence immediately, while the precinct’s full renewable build-out continues. The site’s combination of transmission infrastructure and renewable assets offers a compelling proposition for energy-intensive industries seeking reliable, low-emissions power.
Partnership Structure and Commercial Considerations
Under the Heads of Agreement, 1414 Degrees will supply the development parcel, power, and connectivity infrastructure, while the data centre partner is responsible for capital investment, technical expertise, and operational management. The agreement is non-binding except for exclusivity and right of first refusal provisions, with commercial terms such as lease fees, power tariffs, and revenue sharing still under negotiation.
Progress depends on mutual due diligence, regulatory and planning approvals, and definitive agreements. The parties also plan to work with SA Power Networks, ElectraNet, and other stakeholders to advance connection and transmission arrangements, reflecting the complexity of integrating large-scale data centre operations with renewable energy infrastructure.
Synergies with Existing Renewable and EV Initiatives
This AI data centre partnership complements 1414 Degrees’ recent expansion into electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at Aurora, targeting heavy transport fleets along the Stuart Highway. The company’s broader strategy combines near-term infrastructure revenue with scalable technology commercialisation, underpinned by its silicon-based energy storage platforms.
Market signals from major AI infrastructure players such as Anthropic, which have publicly indicated requirements for 500 MW-plus sites in Australia, underscore the commercial potential of Aurora’s development. Similarly, Amazon’s recent power agreements with multiple renewable projects in New South Wales and Victoria highlight growing demand for clean energy-powered data centre operations nationwide.
Bottom Line?
Execution risks remain as commercial terms and approvals are negotiated, but Aurora’s renewable backbone and modular approach position 1414 Degrees to tap into Australia’s expanding AI infrastructure market.
Questions in the middle?
- How will negotiations over lease and power tariffs shape the project’s financial viability?
- What timeline can investors expect for definitive agreements and staged development milestones?
- Which data centre operator is partnering with 1414 Degrees, and what is their track record in AI infrastructure?