New Gas-Powered Data Centers Could Emit More Greenhouse Gases Than Whole Nations
Natural gas-powered data centers linked to major tech companies like OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and xAI could emit over 129 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, exceeding the emissions of entire nations such as Morocco and Jamaica. These behind-the-meter power projects are being developed to bypass strained electrical grids and meet the surging energy demands of AI infrastructure. The trend raises significant environmental concerns, especially for communities near proposed sites, as regulators approve permits despite public opposition.
- ▪Eleven US data center campuses using natural gas could emit more than 129 million tons of greenhouse gases per year, exceeding Morocco's 2024 emissions.
- ▪xAI’s Colossus 1 and Colossus 2 campuses in Tennessee and Mississippi could each emit over 6.4 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually, totaling emissions comparable to more than 30 average natural gas plants.
- ▪A Chevron-backed natural gas project in West Texas, linked to Microsoft, could emit over 11.5 million tons of greenhouse gases per year, more than Jamaica’s total annual emissions.
- ▪These behind-the-meter power projects are designed to operate independently of the traditional grid, driven by delays in utility connections and rising public resistance to increased energy costs.
- ▪The NAACP filed a lawsuit against xAI, alleging illegal operation of gas turbines, following community protests and regulatory approvals despite local opposition.
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Molly TaftScienceApr 22, 2026 6:30 AMNew Gas-Powered Data Centers Could Emit More Greenhouse Gases Than Entire NationsA WIRED review of permits for data center projects using natural gas and linked to OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and xAI shows they could emit more than 129 million tons of greenhouse gases per year. PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION: WIRED STAFF; GETTY IMAGESCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyNew gas projects linked to just 11 data center campuses around the US have the potential to create more greenhouse gases than the country of Morocco emitted in 2024.
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