Google eyes natural gas as AI power demand rises

April 2, 2026

TL;DR

Google is reportedly considering greater use of natural gas to power its AI data centers.
A new report highlights a partnership for a North Texas data center campus, 'Goodnight,' which would be largely powered by an on-site natural gas plant alongside a wind farm.
This potential reliance on natural gas contrasts with Google's established reputation for prioritizing clean energy.
Google has stated it does not have a contract in place for the Texas gas plant and has declined to comment on future plans.
The AI race is leading Big Tech companies to scramble for power, with climate goals sometimes slipping in priority.
Other tech companies, including Microsoft and Meta, are also making significant investments in natural gas for their data centers.
Climate activists may view Google's exploration of natural gas as a betrayal of its carbon-free goal by 2030.
Natural gas is described by partners as the most scalable and available power source currently.
The Goodnight campus could cost nearly $30 billion, with the gas plant potentially emitting 4.5 million tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Despite increased power consumption, Google reportedly cut its data center energy emissions by 12% in 2024.

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