NEXTDC invests USD $200m in Sunshine Coast AI data centre
NEXTDC has announced a USD $200 million investment to construct a second data centre on the Sunshine Coast, designated as SC2, which will serve as the region's first dedicated AI Factory.
The company has received formal approval to proceed with construction, aiming to scale and expand the current data centre capacity in Queensland. The SC2 facility is intended to provide scalable, sovereign infrastructure optimised for artificial intelligence applications, with a focus on supporting advanced technology sectors, including aerospace, fintech, and biomedical research.
AI infrastructure
The new data centre is aligned with the Queensland Government's Advance Queensland Innovation for a Future Economy 2022-2032 roadmap. The project is aimed at accelerating Queensland's digital capability and positioning the state as a hub for AI innovation and next-generation technologies.
NEXTDC Chief Executive Officer Craig Scroggie commented on the investment, stating:
"We're investing to strengthen and extend Queensland's digital backbone. SC2 is purposebuilt to deliver sovereign, secure, AI-optimised infrastructure that supports local business and government, attracts global innovation, and future-proofs the state's role in the intelligence economy."
The SC2 data centre will offer resilience with a 100% uptime guarantee and Tier IV capability, which is a critical requirement for enterprises and government organisations seeking uninterrupted digital services.
Mr Scroggie added:
"The Sunshine Coast is emerging as a critical digital gateway between Australia, the United States, and Asia. SC2 expands the regional infrastructure footprint and strengthens digital connectivity across Southeast Queensland, enabling faster services, new industries, and direct access to APAC through the Australia Connect program."
Regional significance
The Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli commented on the project's broader impact for the region's economy and technological development, stating:
"This is a defining moment for the Sunshine Coast. NEXTDC's expansion in the region with SC2 signals our emergence as a serious player in the national digital landscape. It will supercharge our region's innovation economy and give us the infrastructure to thrive in the age of AI."
The SC2 project is expected to attract both domestic and international technology stakeholders and support the Queensland Government's ambition to create a future-focused, high-performance digital infrastructure environment.
Enhanced digital connectivity
With the development of SC2, NEXTDC aims to enhance digital connectivity across southeast Queensland and the broader Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The SC2 data centre's design will enable direct connections through the Australia Connect programme, facilitating improved access to services and creating opportunities for new digital industries in the region.
The facility will be built in collaboration with global hyperscalers and local government agencies. With its AI-optimised framework, SC2 is expected to enable advancements in scientific research, manufacturing, and digital financial services, while supporting government digital transformation programmes.
Technical and environmental commitments
NEXTDC's infrastructure is certified to Tier IV standards by the Uptime Institute and is committed to operational sustainability, including energy efficiency measures. The company has stated that its operations are carbon neutral under the Australian Government's Climate Active programme, with a continued focus on renewable energy sources.
NEXTDC operates multiple data centres in Queensland, and the addition of SC2 will expand its footprint on the Sunshine Coast. The investment underlines the company's confidence in the region's potential as a strategic link between Australia and international digital markets.
