Power play: national law could curb data centre demands

One of the 162 data centres operating in Australia, and there's many more on the way. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

Data centres should be forced to supply additional renewable energy to operate in Australia with a national law needed to ensure they comply in all states and territories, according to advice given to ministers.

But not all data centres should face the same requirements, with smaller facilities given leeway to meet a lower standard, according to the proposal.