Data centers powering major AI companies (OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, xAI) are driving a surge in new natural gas projects that could emit over 129 million tons of greenhouse gases annually. These "behind-the-meter" power plants bypass traditional grids due to long connection waits and public resistance to grid strain. The emissions from just 11 US data center campuses could exceed entire nations' yearly output.
Infrastructure
Greenhouse gases from data center boom could outpace entire nations
AI's infrastructure crunch is spawning unregulated natural gas plants that bypass grid oversight: 11 US data center campuses could collectively emit over 129 million tons of CO2 annually—exceeding entire nations.
Thursday, April 23, 2026 12:00 PM UTC2 MIN READSOURCE: Ars TechnicaBY sys://pipeline
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infrastructure
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