What is the projected annual CO2 output from planned US data centre power plants?

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Projected Annual CO2 Output from Planned US Data Centre Power Plants

Planned power plants for US data centres are projected to emit over 200 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. This significant CO2 output is comparable to the emissions generated by more than 46 million gasoline-powered cars each year. This estimate is based on analysis identifying approximately 60 planned data centres expected to have a combined 97 gigawatts of "behind-the-meter" generation capacity by the early 2030s.
Scale of Planned Generation Capacity

The combined 97 gigawatts of planned "behind-the-meter" generation capacity is substantial, approaching the total installed capacity of Mexico. This capacity is being developed to meet the increasing energy demands of data centres, particularly those supporting the artificial intelligence boom. Companies are opting for these self-sufficient power solutions to accelerate their online deployment.
Environmental Implications Beyond CO2

Beyond carbon dioxide emissions, these gas-powered plants also release other harmful pollutants. These include fine particulate matter, linked to cardiovascular and respiratory issues, and nitrogen oxides, which can exacerbate respiratory diseases. Hazardous air pollutants such as mercury, formaldehyde, and benzene are also emitted, posing risks to local communities.
Corporate Involvement and Project Examples

Major technology companies, referred to as hyperscalers, are actively pursuing these behind-the-meter power projects. This includes firms like Meta, Microsoft, and Oracle, with AI labs such as OpenAI and Anthropic also securing significant behind-the-meter power leases. A specific example is a 7.5 GW plant in Texas intended to power Amazon data centres, which has obtained air pollution and construction permits, with site clearing confirmed. Elon Musk's xAI also utilized mobile gas turbines for a data centre in Memphis in 2024.

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What is the projected annual CO2 output from planned US data centre power plants?

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