WinDC has partnered with Yirigaa to accelerate the deployment of sovereign, renewable-powered AI infrastructure across regional Australia, aiming to expand digital capability while supporting local economic and employment opportunities.
The partnership brings together WinDC’s modular, high-density AI data centres, which are designed to be deployed directly at renewable generation sites, and Yirigaa’s experience in workforce development, cybersecurity and community-led program delivery, according to a media release.
The companies said the initiative is intended to extend advanced computing capability beyond metropolitan data centre hubs into regional markets.
WinDC said the model also responds to Australia’s rising renewable-energy curtailment caused by grid congestion and transmission delays.
By locating compute infrastructure at the source of clean energy generation, the company said stranded renewable power can be converted into digital infrastructure and export-ready AI capability.
“Australia’s AI future will be shaped by where and how we build infrastructure,” said Andrew Sjoquist, founder and CEO of WinDC. “For too long, we have assumed advanced compute has to sit in metropolitan areas and compete for scarce grid capacity.”
“WinDC’s approach is to move compute to the power, not the other way around. Partnering with Yirigaa allows us to scale sovereign, renewable-powered AI infrastructure in regional Australia in a way that is faster to deploy, lighter on the grid, and designed to deliver lasting national and regional benefit,” added Jonathan Staff, executive director of WinDC.
Under the partnership, Yirigaa will support the operation and scaling of the facilities through workforce training, accreditation and employment pathways in AI, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.
Programs will include school-to-career pipelines through the YARN (Yirigaa Academy Recruitment Network), training collaborations with NSW TAFE, and place-based employment initiatives aligned with Closing the Gap priorities.
“This partnership is about turning opportunity into reality,” said Yawun Mundine, founder and group executive CEO of Yirigaa. “You cannot close the gap through aspiration alone. It requires real jobs, real careers and long-term pathways into future-defining industries.”
The companies said the infrastructure will support zero-scope-2-emissions AI compute and will be operated with a security-cleared, ISO 27001–certified workforce supported by Defence Industry Security Program membership.
WinDC said media will be invited to view its modular data centre when the first AI factory unit arrives in Australia in March. Media enquiries may be directed to Pru Loon.
