The US Is On A Gas-Fueled Leap To Meet AI's Ballooning Needs
New forecasts suggest that the US could lead a historic global surge in new gas-fired power generation, doubling current emissions to meet the skyrocketing demands of artificial intelligence. This massive expansion, driven by the rapid growth of datacenters and AI-driven projects, will not only reshape energy markets but also send climate warnings into the future.
The push for gas-powered infrastructure is already underway, with the US tripling its planned gas capacity in 2025—a move expected to fuel unprecedented demand for electricity. In just one year, the US could add nearly 50% to its existing global gas capacity, setting a record that could dominate energy markets for years to come.
The surge in gas-fired power will have catastrophic consequences for the climate, with estimates suggesting it could double carbon dioxide emissions over the lifetime of new projects. In the US alone, these gas projects are projected to generate 12.1 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions, doubling current annual levels and pushing the world closer to dangerous climate impacts like heatwaves, droughts, and floods.
The global expansion is expected to cause more than 53.2 billion tonnes of emissions over its lifetime, far exceeding the total emissions from all sources in China alone. This massive increase in gas-fired power will not only exacerbate existing environmental challenges but also fuel spiraling energy costs for millions of Americans.
Despite Trump’s enthusiastic promotion of AI and his administration’s misguided efforts to block clean energy projects, the US is at the forefront of a global push for gas. The push has been fueled by record-breaking investments in datacenters across the country, with projects announced or under development exceeding $10 billion.
The proliferation of datacenters will create jobs while simultaneously driving up energy demands and electricity costs. In Texas alone, tech giant Meta is planning to build a $1.5-billion gas-fired datacenter, powered by a massive 25-megawatt facility in El Paso. The project comes as coal plants in the region are being shuttered or repurposed to meet growing demand.
The backlash against the push for gas is growing fast. Grassroots groups and green organizations are fighting back, with many projects facing delays or outright cancellations due to concerns about rising power bills and the environmental impact of gas-fired datacenters. In western Pennsylvania, a coal plant is being revived as part of a plan to service one of the largest gas-fired facilities in the US— a decision that has divided residents.
The economic impact of this massive push for gas is already being felt across the country. In western Pennsylvania, the revival of the coal plant will create jobs but also raise questions about its environmental and health impacts. Meanwhile, cities like Homer, Pennsylvania, are facing opposition from local communities who grew up in an era dominated by coal power.
As the US continues to push for gas-fired infrastructure, the world is watching closely to see how this massive expansion will be financed. With Republicans blocking clean energy projects and no clear plan for a greener future, the clock is ticking on efforts to phase out fossil fuels while meeting the demands of rapidly growing AI.
The outcome of this global push for gas will have far-reaching consequences for the planet’s climate—and the fight to protect it from cascading environmental disasters. For now, the US seems determined to take a hard line on clean energy, even as its own citizens suffer the brunt of rising electricity costs and the environmental risks tied to this massive expansion.
The story of the US’s push for gas is just one part of a larger puzzle that will determine the planet’s future. The question is simple: Can we meet the demands of AI without sacrificing the hard-won progress toward a clean energy future?
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