AI Data Centers Fuel Gas Power Plant Surge – A Climate Concern?
AI
Data Centers
Energy
Gas
Climate Change
Environment
Policy
8
Strategic Misstep
Media Hype
7/10
Real Impact
8/10
What is the Viqus Verdict?
We evaluate each news story based on its real impact versus its media hype to offer a clear and objective perspective.
AI Analysis:
While the story has garnered significant media attention, the underlying issue – the mismatch between AI’s potential and its environmental consequences – represents a fundamental strategic misstep with long-term implications, deserving of higher impact than hype.
Article Summary
The construction of AI data centers is unexpectedly fueling a resurgence in gas-fired power plants, primarily in the US. According to a recent analysis by Global Energy Monitor, gas-fired power generation in development globally rose by 31 percent in 2025, with almost a quarter of that increase concentrated in the United States. This surge is directly linked to the growing demand for electricity to power increasingly powerful hardware used in generative AI. Despite the Biden administration’s efforts to promote clean energy, the US has surpassed China as the country with the largest increase in gas power plant development. The situation is complicated by the fact that while natural gas produces less carbon pollution than coal, it still releases methane, a significantly more potent greenhouse gas. This trend represents a stark contrast to global climate goals, including the Paris Agreement, and highlights a worrying disconnect between technological advancement and environmental responsibility. The situation is further complicated by the previous administration's policies that actively discouraged climate research and prioritized fossil fuel infrastructure. The potential for ‘stranded assets’ – unused gas-fired power plants – looms large if AI’s impact on energy demand doesn’t materialize as projected.Key Points
- The growth of AI data centers is driving a significant increase in gas-fired power plant development.
- The US has surpassed China as the country with the largest increase in gas power plant development in 2025.
- This surge directly contradicts global climate goals and highlights the environmental risks associated with rapidly expanding AI infrastructure.