# US Data Centers Spark Alarming Gas Power Boom

AI's energy hunger doubled gas plant projects in just one year.

- **Source:** [Science Latest](https://brifing.si/source/ebc20f22-8d1a-4ae4-ba4c-efcd0853ba19)
- **Published:** 2026-08-25
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://www.wired.com/story/us-data-centers-drive-gas-power-expansion/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ea66b0a2-a573-4edd-a0a0-7aa5fea394e8

## Data centers trigger gas plant explosion

Gas-fired power projects dedicated to US data centers surged from 4 gigawatts in early 2024 to 189 gigawatts by mid-2026, reflecting AI and cloud computing's insatiable energy demand. According to Global Energy Monitor, 1 gigawatt can power about 1 million homes. Tech giants are increasingly building private power plants to bypass grid connection delays.

## Companies rush to off-grid power solutions

Microsoft, Meta, and Google are constructing 'behind-the-meter' private power facilities, encouraged by Trump administration policies. These plants provide direct energy to data centers while mitigating electricity bill spikes. However, local communities and environmentalists are mounting opposition, with data center moratoriums being considered in over 20 states.

## Inefficient turbines worsen climate impact

Most new gas plants use inefficient turbines, significantly increasing emissions. Some facilities are permitted to emit more greenhouse gases annually than small countries. Global Energy Monitor analyst Jenny Martos warns: 'If all these plants get built, we're locking in emissions for decades.'

## China bets on renewable energy

China focuses on solar and hydropower for its data centers instead of gas. Kyle Chan from Brookings Institution notes: 'Chinese data centers are being built in rural areas with renewable energy surpluses.' The government is heavily investing in grid infrastructure to ensure energy independence.

## US surpasses China in gas projects

After being overtaken by China in early 2020s gas plant construction, the US regained leadership due to its data center boom. This highlights China's more sustainable AI energy strategy. Private power projects in China remain smaller and less common compared to the US.

## Short-term gain, long-term pain

Experts note that while gas plants offer quick, economical solutions for US data centers, they create long-term costs including delayed clean energy investments. Chan observes: 'Gas makes short-term sense when you lack China's access to cheap renewables.'

## Project futures remain uncertain

Global Energy Monitor states that not all tracked projects will materialize. Financing challenges, local opposition, turbine supply constraints, and moratoriums pose significant hurdles. Martos comments: 'These uncertainties might partially curb emission growth.'

## Energy policies reshaped by tech demands

Data center energy needs are forcing nations to rethink energy strategies. The contrast between US gas reliance and China's renewable model will shape AI's future. Experts warn that delaying clean energy investments could create long-term risks for the tech sector.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.wired.com/story/us-data-centers-drive-gas-power-expansion/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._