AdvertisementPrime Minister Anthony Albanese could force pro-coal states to comply with rules mandating renewable energy for data centres, setting up a clash over the lucrative artificial intelligence boom at next week’s meeting of national cabinet. Australia is home to 162 operating data centres which consume about 2 per cent of total electricity demand on the eastern seaboard. The Australian Energy Market Operator has forecast data centres would reach 10 per cent of demand by 2050. Assistant Data Minister Andrew Charlton said this month that data centre developers could invest in gas plants where necessary for firming. According to Hunter, the companies investing in data centres are keen to get work under way as soon as practicable, which could put pressure on the broader construction sector.