Amazon's Texas Data Center Power Plant Could Be Largest U.S. Climate Polluter
According to The New York Times, Amazon's proposed data center in Pecos County, Texas, will feature an on-site natural gas power facility that has the potential to become the leading contributor to climate pollution in the U.S. This plant is authorized to emit 33 million tons of carbon dioxide each year, outpacing any other power facility in the country. An Amazon representative stated that the data center's energy will come from new on-site generation, assuring that Texas families will not see increased electricity costs. This announcement arrives amid rising political pushback against data centers due to their effect on energy prices. Despite a 16% increase in carbon emissions last year, Amazon maintains its goal to eliminate emissions by 2040, acknowledging that 'the world looks different now.'
Key facts
- Amazon is building a data center in Pecos County, Texas.
- The on-site power plant will burn natural gas.
- The plant is permitted to release 33 million tons of CO2 per year.
- This would make it the largest climate polluter among U.S. power plants.
- Amazon's carbon emissions increased by 16% last year.
- Amazon pledged to eliminate its carbon emissions by 2040.
- The data center will be powered by new on-site generation.
- Amazon claims the plant won't raise electricity costs for Texas families.
Entities
Institutions
- Amazon
- The New York Times
Locations
- Pecos County
- Texas
- United States