QPM Energy is looking at the potential to co-locate data centres with its Moranbah-based power assets as a means of expanding business.

The Australian Energy Market Operator’s 2026 accelerated transition case forecasts data centre demand for electricity reaching 35TWh annually by 2036, a 30TWh increase from current levels.

QPM believes the 112MW gas-fired power station it is building at Moranbah and broader Isaac Energy Hub (IEH) infrastructure provides the perfect platform to support large-scale data centre electricity requirements.

The company argues that the Northern Bowen Basin, where its Moranbah Gas Project and IEH assets are located, offers many parallels to Texas – the world’s leading data centre location.

They include:

• Large gas reserves that can underpin data centre energy requirements without impacting the existing grid
• Availability of water and land
• Access to skilled labour

QPM boasts 1016PJ of 2P + 2C independently certified gas reserves and resources in the Moranbah area.

Related: QPM gas upgrade fuels Bowen Basin pipeline push

And it has recently taken delivery of two GE Vernova LM6000 gas turbines for its planned Isaac Power Station.

The $196 million project is on track to be the first major gas-fired power station built in Queensland for more than 15 years, with a target commercial operation date in the second half of 2027, according to QPM Energy.

QPM Energy (ASX:QPM) chief executive officer David Wrench said there were three key tailwinds supporting the development of the Isaac Power Station and IEH over coming years:

• Data centre development driving electricity demand growth
• Forecast closures of coal-fired power stations over the next decade
• Limited development of reliable, firm, low-cost and long-duration energy capacity across the Queensland electricity system

“QPM is building a unique portfolio of assets that stand to deliver significant value for shareholders from the data centre demand growth story,” he said.

QPM has held preliminary discussions with data centre companies and intends to accelerate the evaluation of opportunities through that avenue to further expand its gas production and electricity generation asset base.