Gas-Powered Data Centers Could Emit More Than Entire Nations
Original: New Gas-Powered Data Centers Could Emit More Greenhouse Gases Than Entire Nations
Why This Matters
Highlights massive environmental impact of AI boom through direct fossil fuel use
New natural gas data center projects linked to OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and xAI could emit over 129 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, exceeding Morocco's 2024 emissions. Eleven campus projects use behind-the-meter power to bypass traditional grids.
Air permit documents reviewed by WIRED show that natural gas projects powering AI company data centers could emit more than 129 million tons of greenhouse gases per year, surpassing entire countries like Morocco. The projects involve major tech companies including OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and xAI using behind-the-meter power to bypass traditional electrical grids. xAI's Memphis and Mississippi campuses alone could generate over 12.8 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually, equal to 30 average natural gas plants. Clean energy researcher Michael Thomas called this trend 'a crazy acceleration of emissions,' warning it represents a new industrial revolution phase after coal and gas retirement efforts.