A Financial Times analysis examined 60 of the largest planned US data centers. These facilities could collectively produce 101.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
This output equals the annual emissions of 27 coal plants. The volume is equivalent to 24 million gasoline-powered cars. These emissions would represent about 7% of the US power sector's total output in 2025.
Artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency demand drive the surge in data center construction. The analysis focused on facilities planned by Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta.
These projects highlight a conflict with the climate commitments of Big Tech companies. Utilities are planning new natural gas-fired power plants and delaying coal plant retirements to meet the soaring electricity demand.