GoKawiilGas power planned for US data centers nearly doubles to 189 gigawatts
Global Energy Monitor's updated tracking shows gas-fired power capacity in development specifically for data centers reached over 189 gigawatts by mid-2026, up from 97 gigawatts at the end of 2025 and just 4 gigawatts in early 2024. The surge reflects tech companies building private 'behind-the-meter' gas plants to power AI data centers rather than waiting for grid connections.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This rapid buildout ties US fossil fuel expansion directly to AI infrastructure growth, with the Trump administration actively encouraging companies like Microsoft, Meta, Google and OpenAI to self-supply power rather than burden public grids and ratepayers. Many of these plants use less efficient turbines, meaning the climate costs of the AI boom could be steeper than official emissions figures suggest.
- Gas power capacity for US data centers jumped from 4GW in early 2024 to over 189GW by mid-2026
- Tech firms are building private 'behind-the-meter' gas plants to skip slow grid connections and avoid raising consumer electricity bills
- Many new plants use inefficient turbines, raising concerns about disproportionate climate impact from AI-driven energy demand
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See Emporia Vue Gen 3 Smart Home Energy Monitor on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: wired.com — Molly Taft, 2026-08-25
Published there as: “Data Centers Are Driving an Alarming Gas Power Expansion in the US”
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