Source: Fortune
Summary
Data center developers are turning to natural-gas power plants to meet the increasing demand for computing power, which could lead to a significant increase in carbon emissions. BloombergNEF tracked 99 proposed plants that could emit around 318 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to a 20% increase in US power sector emissions. The projects are backed by leading tech companies, including Amazon and Microsoft, which have pledged to reduce their carbon footprint.
Our Reading
The announcement sounds familiar.
Data center developers are seeking alternatives to traditional power sources, including behind-the-meter projects that can be built without utility approval. The rush to meet demand has led to a surge in proposed gas power plants, which could undermine tech companies’ climate goals. Amazon and Microsoft are among the companies backing these projects, despite their pledges to reduce emissions. The shift towards gas power plants marks a significant departure from the tech industry’s previous focus on clean energy.
The numbers tell one story, but the real story is the tech industry’s willingness to sacrifice its climate goals for the sake of growth.
Author: Evan Null
