Gas-powered data centers could surpass Morocco's emissions

Kiswahili

Permits for 11 natural gas-powered data centers across the United States project annual greenhouse gas emissions exceeding 129 million tons—more than Morocco released in 2024. Linked to AI companies OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and xAI, these facilities underscore the fossil fuel reliance in the data center boom fueling AI expansion, according to a WIRED review of air permit documents.

WIRED's examination of permit applications shows these 11 U.S. campuses could collectively emit over 129 million tons of GHGs annually, surpassing entire nations like Morocco. Officials reviewing the permits emphasized the enormous environmental footprint. As detailed in prior coverage of the natural gas surge for AI infrastructure, this reflects skyrocketing energy demands outpacing grid and renewable capacity, locking in high emissions for tech giants' computing needs.

Makala yanayohusiana

President Trump shakes hands with tech CEOs signing the Ratepayer Protection Pledge at the White House, with AI data centers symbolized in the background.
Picha iliyoundwa na AI

Tech giants sign White House pledge to cover AI data center power costs amid backlash

Imeripotiwa na AI Picha iliyoundwa na AI

On March 4, 2026, leading tech firms including Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle, and xAI signed the non-binding Ratepayer Protection Pledge at the White House, committing to fund new power generation and infrastructure for AI data centers to shield consumers from rising electricity bills. President Trump hailed it as a 'historic win,' but critics question its enforceability amid growing environmental and economic concerns.

Data centers rely on natural gas to power AI expansion

Tech companies are increasingly using natural gas turbines and engines to generate on-site electricity for data centers amid surging AI demand. This trend is leading to a boom in fossil fuel projects, particularly in the United States. Experts warn it could lock in higher emissions and hinder renewable energy adoption.

US AI data centers face delays from tariffs and moratoriums

Imeripotiwa na AI

Nearly half of planned US data centers for this year risk delays or cancellation due to import issues from China, exacerbated by tariffs. Community opposition is fueling moratoriums, with Maine poised to halt new construction until 2027. These hurdles challenge President Trump's push for rapid AI infrastructure buildout.

Siasa

Warren and Hawley urge data center energy transparency

Asia

China pushes greener AI data centres and heavy industry for 2030 climate goals

Teknolojia

AI data centres raise local land temperatures by up to 9.1°C

Maine legislature passes first US moratorium on large data centers

The Maine House and Senate approved LD 307 this week, imposing a moratorium on new data centers requiring 20 megawatts or more until at least October 2027. The bill, which prohibits state and local approvals for such facilities, now awaits action from Gov. Janet Mills amid national concerns over surging energy demands from AI infrastructure.

States reach bipartisan consensus on regulating AI and data centers

Imeripotiwa na AI

Across the United States, Republican and Democratic lawmakers are aligning to regulate artificial intelligence and the energy-intensive data centers that power it, driven by concerns over electricity costs and resource use. President Trump has joined the push by urging tech companies to build their own power plants. This unusual cooperation contrasts with federal gridlock and reflects voter frustrations ahead of midterms.

Google signs data center deal with 20-year clean power commitment

Google has signed a data center deal that includes a 20-year commitment to add new clean power. The project involves building a data center in Michigan.

Madison officials say proposed crypto data center won't raise electric rates

Imeripotiwa na AI

City staff in Madison, South Dakota, have reassured residents that a planned cryptocurrency mining facility will not increase local electricity costs and may even lower them. The project, operated by Giga Energy, is set to use 10 megawatts of power starting in August 2026. Officials addressed public concerns during town hall meetings on January 28.

Jumatatu, 13. Mwezi wa nne 2026, 20:57:57

Louisiana LNG terminal poised to be US's top emitter

Jumatatu, 6. Mwezi wa nne 2026, 10:02:28

Tech firms pledge to offset data center energy costs

Ijumaa, 27. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 09:10:47

Meta funds natural gas plants for Louisiana data center

Jumanne, 24. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 04:24:11

Google eyes massive data center in southeast Nebraska

Jumatano, 4. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 02:25:52

Arizona's data centers grow despite water shortages

Jumanne, 24. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 07:12:01

Google announces low-water data center in Texas

Jumanne, 24. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 01:54:46

Data center firms seek exemptions from U.S. pollution rules

Ijumaa, 20. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 09:08:23

Wired discusses potential for AI data centers in space

Jumatano, 18. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 13:37:15

Report critiques big tech's unsubstantiated AI climate claims

Jumapili, 8. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 14:38:17

Growth of data centres may threaten South Africa's electricity and water

 

 

 

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