Google to tap into gas plant for AI datacenter in sharp turn from climate goals
Why it matters: Google's Texas gas plant could emit 4.5 million tons of CO2 annually, impacting global climate goals.
- Google is partnering with Crusoe Energy on a 933-megawatt natural gas power plant in Texas to fuel its "Goodnight" AI datacenter campus, a direct investment in fossil fuel infrastructure (Cleanview, Google spokesperson Chrissy Moy).
- Crusoe Energy filed a permit for the Texas plant, which Cleanview reports could emit 4.5 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, exceeding San Francisco's yearly emissions.
- Michael Thomas of Cleanview views this as a "major strategic pivot" for Google, contradicting its long-standing image as a clean energy pioneer and its commitment to climate goals.
- Google spokesperson Chrissy Moy confirmed ongoing negotiations for the Texas plant but stated no contract is yet in place, while also highlighting a separate windfarm project in the region.
- Google has also made agreements to buy power from a gas plant in Illinois and is exploring another large gas project in Nebraska, indicating a broader trend towards natural gas for its datacenters.
- Google maintains its focus on carbon-free energy, asserting that using natural gas is part of a new strategy to build the grid rather than a departure from its climate objectives.
Google, a company once lauded for its clean energy leadership, is making a significant pivot towards natural gas, with new research revealing a partnership for a 933-megawatt gas plant in Texas to power an AI datacenter, a move that could see emissions comparable to San Francisco's annual output. This project, along with others in Illinois and Nebraska, suggests a strategic shift from its carbon-neutral by 2030 pledge, despite Google's claims that it's building the grid and not abandoning its climate goals.
