Kurri Kurri data center is emerging as a major digital construction project in New South Wales, with a potential $4 billion-plus investment. The proposed facility could become a strategic Australian base for Anthropic’s Claude artificial intelligence operations. AirTrunk plans the development on the former Kurri Kurri aluminium smelter site at Loxford.
The project would combine large-scale computing infrastructure with renewable energy access and regional employment opportunities. Anthropic is reportedly in advanced discussions to anchor the facility as it expands computing capacity across Australia.
The reported investment exceeds A$4 billion, equivalent to about $2.8 billion. The figure covers the proposed large-scale data center development rather than Anthropic’s wider infrastructure commitments.
Kurri Kurri data center takes shape on former industrial land
The proposed facility would occupy part of the former aluminium smelter site along Hart Road, Loxford. AirTrunk plans a two-storey building measuring about 44,220 square meters.
The building would stand approximately 16.8 meters tall and sit within an established industrial area. It would also remain more than 500 meters from the nearest residential property.
Importantly, the site already has access to high-voltage electricity infrastructure. The project would connect directly to existing infrastructure beside the property.
The location also benefits from ongoing Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone infrastructure upgrades. Ausgrid is upgrading about 85 kilometers of network lines and adding new energy infrastructure.
That program will increase renewable electricity transfer capacity across the region. The network project targets an additional one gigawatt of transfer capacity by 2028.
Furthermore, AirTrunk says the data center will use air-based cooling. Therefore, the facility would not draw community water for cooling operations.
Australia’s data centre construction boom is also driving major investment in renewable-powered digital infrastructure. The $10 billion Bundey Data Centre project in South Australia demonstrates how hyperscale developments are increasingly aligning with renewable energy and grid expansion.
Kurri Kurri data center targets jobs and regional investment
The Kurri Kurri data center could generate several thousand construction jobs during delivery. AirTrunk expects more than 350 ongoing local jobs once the facility becomes operational.
Those positions would cover engineering, electrical and mechanical services, maintenance, security and facility operations. Local suppliers and training providers could also support apprenticeships and employment pathways.
Meanwhile, AirTrunk has proposed more than A$37 million for local infrastructure initiatives. More than A$12 million would support the proposed Loxford District Sporting Facility and Multipurpose Community Facility.
The proposal also includes a community battery program. Eligible households could receive an annual A$200 deduction from their electricity bills.
However, the development still requires planning approval. AirTrunk must progress through the NSW planning process before construction can begin.
The current pathway includes requesting Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements, preparing an Environmental Impact Statement and exhibiting the development application.
The project must also respond to submissions before authorities assess and determine the application.
The potential Anthropic connection adds a strategic dimension to the development. Anthropic has already expanded its Australian presence through a Sydney office and government partnership.
The company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Australian Government covering AI safety, research and infrastructure planning. Australia also ranks among the leading markets for Claude usage.
If approvals proceed, the Kurri Kurri facility could support Anthropic’s wider Asia-Pacific computing network. Reports indicate Claude could begin operating from the site around 2028.
Project Fact Sheet
Name: Kurri Kurri Data Center.
Location: Hart Road, Loxford, Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Australia.
Type: Large-scale hyperscale data center.
Proposed capacity: Approximately 540MW.
Estimated investment: More than A$4 billion, equivalent to about $2.8 billion.
Building size: Approximately 44,220 square meters.
Building configuration: Two-storey data center.
Site: Former Kurri Kurri aluminium smelter land.
Building height: Approximately 16.8 meters.
Residential buffer: More than 500 meters from the nearest home.
Cooling system: Air-based cooling.
Water use: No community water for cooling.
Construction employment: Several thousand jobs expected.
Operational employment: More than 350 ongoing local jobs.
Community infrastructure: More than A$37 million proposed.
Community facilities allocation: More than A$12 million proposed.
Energy benefit: A$200 annual electricity deduction for eligible households.
Power connection: Direct connection to existing high-voltage infrastructure.
Planning status: Environmental assessment and development approval process.
Expected operational timeframe: Around 2028, subject to approvals.
Prospective AI customer: Anthropic’s Claude.
Project Team
Developer – AirTrunk: Proposing, developing and operating the Kurri Kurri data center.
Prospective anchor tenant – Anthropic: Reportedly in advanced discussions to anchor the facility for Claude AI operations.
Owner – Blackstone-led consortium: AirTrunk operates under ownership by a consortium led by Blackstone.
Network operator – Ausgrid: Delivering Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone network upgrades supporting regional electricity capacity.
Planning authority – NSW Government: Oversees the state planning and environmental assessment process.
Local government – Cessnock City Council: Key local authority associated with the Kurri Kurri development and proposed community infrastructure package.
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