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

Protesters blocking data center construction sites across the United States in 2026.
Picha iliyoundwa na AI

Protests block 130 billion dollars in data center projects in early 2026

Imeripotiwa na AI Picha iliyoundwa na AI

Communities across the United States blocked or delayed at least 75 data center projects worth about 130 billion dollars from January through March 2026. Researchers described the period as the most blocked and delayed on record since tracking began in 2023. The opposition reflects a structural shift in local resistance to such developments.

US AI data centers face delays from tariffs and moratoriums

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.

Meta funds natural gas plants for Louisiana data center

Imeripotiwa na AI

Meta has agreed to fund seven new natural gas power plants and extensive energy infrastructure to support its largest data center under construction in Richland Parish, Louisiana. The deal with Entergy Louisiana includes 240 miles of transmission lines and battery storage, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. This follows a non-binding pledge by tech companies to cover power costs for AI data centers.

Teknolojia

Tech companies adjust data center cooling amid water concerns

Teknolojia

Study warns data centers could raise power costs over 50 percent by 2030

Teknolojia

Digital hoarding carries hidden environmental costs

Protesters confront Microsoft over AI data center plans

Activists gathered outside the Microsoft Build conference in San Francisco this week to voice concerns about the environmental impact of AI data centers. They distributed leaflets detailing effects on land, water and power resources. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella addressed community concerns during his keynote address on Tuesday.

Google eyes massive data center in southeast Nebraska

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Documents indicate Google plans to operate one of the largest data centers in the United States in southeast Nebraska, powered by a Tenaska natural gas plant that could generate up to 3,000 megawatts. The project, which may incorporate carbon capture technology, hinges on a state bill allowing private power plants to connect to the public grid. Tenaska has secured options on over 2,600 acres for the site.

Rural US communities resist data center expansion

Residents in rural areas across the United States are opposing new data center projects over concerns about water supplies, energy costs, and farmland loss. In Tazewell County, Illinois, locals successfully blocked a proposed facility after packed council meetings and petitions. The backlash highlights tensions between AI infrastructure growth and agricultural needs.

Alhamisi, 28. Mwezi wa tano 2026, 23:45:58

Utah governor says data center will never run on gas alone

Jumanne, 26. Mwezi wa tano 2026, 16:29:51

TeraWulf acquires Kentucky site for 1 GW AI data center

Jumatano, 13. Mwezi wa tano 2026, 07:06:03

Poll finds most americans oppose local ai data centers

Alhamisi, 23. Mwezi wa nne 2026, 11:36:09

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

Alhamisi, 16. Mwezi wa nne 2026, 16:30:59

Maine legislature passes first US moratorium on large data centers

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, 05:29:26

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

Alhamisi, 26. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 06:23:49

Warren and Hawley urge data center energy transparency

Alhamisi, 19. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 03:53:52

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

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