Quantum DC is proposing to develop the Tungkillo Compute and Energy Hub at 312 Collins Road, Tungkillo, approximately 55 kilometres east of Adelaide.
The project will combine a hyperscale data centre with dedicated energy infrastructure to support the growing demand for digital services, cloud computing and artificial intelligence across Australia.
The proposed development includes:
The project will be delivered in three stages, with Stage 1 anticipated to commence operations in 2028 and the full development completed by 2031.
The site is co-located with battery energy storage projects that are being developed separately. Those projects are subject to their own approvals and do not form part of this application.
The Tungkillo Compute and Energy Hub will help strengthen South Australia's digital infrastructure and support future economic growth.
Key benefits include:
The hub will be connected to the electricity network through a new connection to the existing ElectraNet 275 kV transmission lines that cross the site. Quantum DC will contract new wind and solar generation from elsewhere in South Australia to supply the hub, and will build gas-fired generation (gas turbines) on the site, which runs to firm that supply when wind and solar output is low, not continuously. The project is designed so that wind and solar supply around 80% of the electricity the data centre uses, with the on-site gas-fired generation supplying around 20%.
The hub brings its own supply to the market. It will have its own on-site generation and will contract new renewable energy supply, so that it adds to South Australia's electricity supply rather than drawing on the supply that homes and businesses rely on. Quantum DC has commissioned independent modelling of the effect on electricity prices to test this. At times the hub's on-site generation will also supply electricity into the grid.
The data centre does not rely on diesel generators for back-up power. It is backed up by its connection to the transmission network on two separate circuits, the on-site gas-fired generation and contracted battery storage elsewhere in the network. The only diesel on the site is a small generator to start the gas turbines if the grid is unavailable and a small standby unit at the gas receiving facility; neither is used to power the data centre.
The data centre will use closed-loop, direct-to-chip liquid cooling with air-cooled heat rejection. The cooling loop is sealed and recirculates, and heat is removed by dry, air-cooled equipment rather than by evaporating water. Once the loop is filled, very little water is needed for cooling.
Rainwater harvested from the building roofs will be stored and treated on site as the main source of water for operations, supplemented where needed by water delivered by commercial water carriers. Depending on the timing of construction and water availability, harvested rainwater may also contribute to commissioning water requirements. A permanent connection to SA Water's mains is not proposed, and the project does not propose to take water directly from the River Murray or to buy water allocations from local irrigators. Construction and commissioning water supply arrangements are still being confirmed.
Current estimates indicate water demand of around 20 megalitres a year once the hub is fully operational. Preliminary construction water requirements are estimated at approximately 150 to 250 megalitres across the full staged development. This estimate excludes water required for concrete production, which will be assessed once the construction methodology is confirmed. Additional water will be required for commissioning the cooling systems.
The project will undergo a comprehensive assessment process before any decision is made. Specialist studies will examine potential impacts relating to:
The findings of these studies will help inform the final design and identify measures to avoid, minimise or manage impacts.
Quantum DC intends to lodge a development application through South Australia's Essential Infrastructure/Crown assessment pathway. The Minister for Planning will make the final decision on the proposal.
As part of this process there is a public notification period of at least 15 business days, during which the community can consider the development application and make written submissions. The State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) will then review the proposal and the feedback received and provide advice to the Minister for Planning, who will make the final decision.
Quantum DC is committed to engaging with the community early and openly.
Prior to lodging a development application, the project team is undertaking a voluntary engagement program to provide information, answer questions and to hear community views.
Feedback received during this process will be documented and included in an Engagement Report submitted as part of the development application.
You can also register to receive future project updates and stay informed as the proposal progresses. Just fill out the registration form at the bottom of this page.
Come and meet the project team, see the project information, ask your questions and share your views. You are welcome to drop in at any time during a session.
Tungkillo: 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm, Thursday 29 October 2026. Tungkillo Soldiers Memorial Hall, 10 Brinkworth Road, Tungkillo.
Mannum: 11.00 am to 1.00 pm, Saturday 31 October 2026. Senior Citizens Room, Mannum Leisure Centre, 51 Adelaide Road, Mannum.
To help us plan, please register your interest by calling URPS on 08 8333 7999 or emailing engage@urps.com.au. Members of the Quantum DC project team and our community engagement consultants, URPS, will be there for the whole of each session, together with the specialists who have prepared the water and energy assessments.
Our community fact sheet can be downloaded below. The frequently asked questions document will be added here shortly, and both will be available in print at the drop-in sessions.
For project enquiries, contact the project engagement team at URPS on 08 8333 7999 or engage@urps.com.au.
Download the community fact sheet below. The frequently asked questions document will be added here once it is finalised.
Your details will be used by Quantum DC and its community engagement consultants, URPS, to provide project updates and to record community feedback for the Engagement Report that will accompany the development application, and for no other purpose. Feedback is reported in summary form. Contact engage@urps.com.au if you would like your details removed.
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