AirTrunk MEL2 - Melbourne North-West

Status: Under Construction (Multi-Phase)   |   Location: Melbourne’s North-West Suburbs

Project Overview

The commencement of construction on AirTrunk MEL2 in January 2026 marks a significant leap in Australia's capacity to host global Artificial Intelligence workloads. Situated in Melbourne's North-West, this 354 MW campus is being developed with an investment exceeding AUD $5 billion. When combined with AirTrunk’s existing MEL1 facility, the company’s total deployable capacity in Melbourne will reach a staggering 630 MW, solidifying the city's status as a top-tier digital hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

MEL2 is explicitly designed as an AI-first facility. Recognizing the shift toward high-density compute, AirTrunk has integrated large-scale direct-to-chip liquid cooling technology into the core design of the campus. This allows the facility to support the extreme thermal requirements of next-generation GPU clusters used for training Large Language Models (LLMs). Despite this massive power density, the project targets an industry-leading PUE of 1.15, utilizing advanced power management and the naturally favorable climate of Melbourne to minimize energy overhead.

The project is a major win for the Victorian economy, with the state government, via Invest Victoria, providing strategic support. Construction is expected to create over 4,000 jobs during its multi-phase build, with an additional 200 direct operational roles upon completion. This development aligns perfectly with Australia’s National AI Plan, which aims to position the country as a global leader in responsible AI. By providing the "foundational steel" for this digital shift, MEL2 ensures that global hyperscalers and domestic enterprises have the scale they need to innovate locally.

Sustainability remains a cornerstone of the MEL2 strategy. The project is financed through Sustainability-Linked Loans (SLL), which tie financial performance to meeting strict carbon and water efficiency targets. AirTrunk has committed to 100% renewable energy matching for the site, leveraging Australia's maturing green energy grid. As the first phase moves toward a 2027 go-live, MEL2 stands as a benchmark for how massive industrial scale can be balanced with environmental stewardship and regional economic growth.

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