The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence technologies has pushed several tech giants to construct their own gas-fired power plants to support growing energy needs. Analysts warn these facilities may soon release more carbon emissions than some small nations.
Microsoft and Google have confirmed plans to build new gas plants in the United States. The projects aim to supply stable energy for data centers running advanced AI models. These centers require significantly more electricity than traditional cloud computing operations.
Industry reports indicate the new plants could each generate over 1 million tons of CO2 annually. By comparison, Iceland’s total annual emissions stand at about 2 million tons. The scale has raised concerns among environmental groups about the long-term impact on climate goals.
Norway’s energy sector faces indirect pressure as global demand for liquefied natural gas rises. State-owned Equinor has already increased exports to meet industrial needs abroad. The shift reflects broader trends in Europe, where gas is increasingly viewed as a transitional energy source.
Regulators in Texas granted permits for two new gas plants last month. Both will exclusively serve tech companies. The decision comes despite ongoing debates over the role of fossil fuels in the AI era.
Source: digi.no