AI Data Center Gas Projects Could Emit More Than Morocco's Annual Greenhouse Gases
New natural gas projects linked to 11 data center campuses in the US have the potential to emit over 129 million tons of greenhouse gases per year, surpassing Morocco's total 2024 emissions. These projects, examined by WIRED through air permit documents, are being built to power data centers for AI companies including OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and xAI. The infrastructure is designed to bypass the grid, a trend called behind-the-meter power, as data center developers face long utility connection waits and public resistance to higher energy bills. The projects are either announced or under construction, with companies submitting air permit applications to state agencies. This represents just a fraction of the climate cost of the AI boom.
Key facts
- 11 data center campuses in the US are linked to new gas projects.
- Projects could emit more than 129 million tons of greenhouse gases per year.
- Emissions could surpass Morocco's total 2024 emissions.
- Projects serve AI companies including OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and xAI.
- Infrastructure is designed to bypass the grid (behind-the-meter power).
- Data center developers face long waits for grid connections and public resistance.
- Projects are either announced or under construction.
- Companies have submitted air permit applications to state agencies.
Entities
Institutions
- OpenAI
- Meta
- Microsoft
- xAI
- WIRED
Locations
- United States
- Morocco