In something of a David v Goliath battle, Australia’s largest datacentre operator has faced a major setback in its plans to double the size of its west Melbourne facility.
To expand the size of its M3 datacentre, NextDC needs to deliver increased electricity to the site. The initial approach from the electricity provider Jemena was to upgrade power lines along some suburban streets from shorter timber poles carrying lower voltage lines to taller concrete poles capable of carrying higher voltage lines.
But the upgrade has been delayed due to safety concerns, the lack of access to sites arising from community and stakeholder opposition, and because the local council had not approved 22-metre poles.
