Data Centres and Social Licence: What Can We Learn From the Energy Sector?

As Australia’s data centre industry grows, communities are raising important questions about energy and water use, land, local impacts and who benefits from new developments.

What can the emerging sector learn from the energy industry’s experience with major infrastructure development and social licence?

Join Marion Short, CEO of Engagement Institute, and Sabiene Heindl, CEO of The Energy Charter, for an upcoming Social Licence Community of Practice exploring how early, meaningful engagement can help build trust and strengthen community involvement in infrastructure decisions.

The discussion will explore:

• Lessons from the energy sector’s social licence challenges.
• Meaningful community engagement from the outset.
• Understanding and sharing community benefits.
• Managing cumulative impacts.
• Creating opportunities for communities to influence decisions while options remain open.

Drawing on Engagement Institute’s recent government submission on Data Centres and AI Infrastructure and lessons from the Regional Energy Accord, the session will offer valuable perspectives for engagement professionals working across infrastructure, energy and emerging industries.

Event details

Date: Thursday, 19 November 2026

Time: 12:00–1:00pm AEDT

Location: Online

Hosts: Melissa Pisani, Ark Energy Corporation, and Rosie King, Energy Estate.

REGISTER FOR THE SOCIAL LICENCE COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE