Permits for natural gas-powered data centers linked to OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and xAI reveal annual greenhouse gas emissions exceeding 129 million tons—surpassing the carbon footprint of many nations.
A WIRED investigation of data center permits shows major AI companies are planning facilities powered by natural gas, creating significant environmental concerns.
The reviewed permits indicate these gas-powered centers could collectively emit more than 129 million tons of greenhouse gases annually. For context, this exceeds the total annual emissions of countries like Greece, Portugal, and Hungary.
The data centers are linked to four major tech firms: OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and xAI. As AI infrastructure demands grow, companies are increasingly turning to natural gas to power compute-intensive operations, citing energy reliability and cost considerations.
The findings highlight a critical tension in AI development. While companies invest heavily in artificial intelligence capabilities, the infrastructure required generates substantial carbon emissions. Natural gas, though cleaner than coal, still produces significant greenhouse gases when burned at scale.
The projects remain in permitting stages, offering a window for scrutiny and potential alternatives. Industry observers note that companies could explore renewable energy sources or carbon offset strategies to reduce environmental impact.
YouTube creator Markiplier has acquired a controlling stake in GoPro, making him the company's largest shareholder. The move signals the content creator's confidence in the camera manufacturer's potential.
John Ternus officially becomes Apple's CEO on September 1, succeeding Tim Cook, who will remain with the company in a new capacity. The leadership transition marks a significant moment for the tech giant as it enters a new chapter.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has halted state spending on Flock's AI surveillance cameras amid growing bipartisan backlash. The freeze comes as a Texas Tribune investigation revealed the state spent over $30 million on the technology.
Google Maps has changed the label for Lake Ontario to "Lake America" for US users following President Donald Trump's proposal to rename the lake during trade negotiations with Canada.