Data centers can deepen America’s reliance on fossil fuels


At least 17 fossil fuel generating units at seven power plants totaling 9,100 megawatts (MW) of capacity have been delayed or are at risk of being delayed due to concerns about rising electricity demand, with data centers named as a key concern in many cases.

Utilities are also emphasizing concerns about computing energy demand to propose investments in new fossil fuel power plants. 

At least 10,808 MW of new fossil-fuel generation is being planned to meet projected demand, including, in many cases, from data centers.

Much of the increased demand for energy from data centers is attributable to new energy-intensive computing practices such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency mining.


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