Amazon confirmed its backing of a 7.65-gigawatt natural gas power plant in Pecos County, Texas. Pacifico Energy is developing the project, known as GW Ranch, to power a new off-grid AI data center campus. The facility would rank among the largest natural gas plants in the United States.
State permits allow the plant to emit up to 33 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. This output could make the site the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country. The project challenges Amazon’s stated commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Amazon claims the off-grid design prevents electricity cost increases for Texas residents. The company also noted the plant may connect to the regional power grid in the future.