Data centers propose gas-fired power plants, raise pollution concerns in San Antonio, Texas
AI data centers are driving a surge in new gas-fired power plants and significant electricity requests in San Antonio, Texas. Vantage Data Centers is planning facilities with diesel generators and a gas plant in western Bexar County, raising environmental pollution concerns for nearby residents. A public hearing is scheduled to discuss the environmental permit.
AI data centers are driving a significant increase in demand for power in the San Antonio area, leading to proposals for new gas-fired power plants and associated environmental concerns. Vantage Data Centers is planning two facilities, TX 11 and TX 12, within the Texas Research Park in western Bexar County, which would include a total of 86 diesel backup generators. Additionally, a 265-megawatt gas-fired power plant by VoltaGrid is being built for Vantage, though it is not explicitly mentioned in the permit for which a public hearing is scheduled.
CPS Energy, the local utility, currently provides 6 gigawatts of power to the greater San Antonio area. However, data centers have submitted requests totaling 27 gigawatts in recent years, an "astronomical" amount according to CPS Energy's Nick Bennett. State law may compel CPS Energy to allow industries to build their own power plants if the utility cannot meet their electricity or gas demands.
Residents near the proposed data center sites are concerned about potential air quality degradation from these new power plants. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has scheduled a public hearing for August 17, 2026, regarding the Vantage Data Center facility's permit in the Texas Research Park. This hearing will address the impact of the diesel generators, and implicitly, the broader power plant development, on nearby residential homes.