tech
Data center gas plants to boost U.S. power emissions by 20%
Data center developers are turning to bespoke natural-gas power plants, a development that promises to dramatically increase carbon emissions and make it harder for US technology companies to meet their lofty climate goals.
TL;DR
- Data center developers are building bespoke natural-gas power plants to meet surging demand for AI computing.
- Ninety-nine proposed plants could emit around 318 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, potentially increasing US power sector emissions by 20%.
- Developers are seeking alternatives to regulated grids due to delays, opting for 'behind-the-meter' projects.
- Companies like Amazon and Microsoft are backing these gas plant projects, including massive sites in Texas.
- The development challenges Big Tech's previously set climate goals for zeroing out carbon emissions.
- The rush is driven by AI developers' demand for computing power, with some projects potentially being 'phantom projects'.