Google to tap into gas plant for AI datacenter in sharp turn from climate goals

Google has reportedly partnered with Crusoe Energy to develop a 933-megawatt natural gas power plant in Armstrong County, Texas, intended to power its "Goodnight" AI data center campus. This development, unearthed by research organization Cleanview and confirmed by Google, signals a notable departure from Google's long-standing climate commitments, which included a pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030. According to Crusoe's permit application, the plant could emit 4.5 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, exceeding the annual emissions of San Francisco. Cleanview founder Michael Thomas characterized the project as one of Google's first direct investments in fossil fuel infrastructure, suggesting a major strategic pivot for a company once seen as a clean energy leader. Google spokesperson Chrissy Moy acknowledged ongoing negotiations but stated no contract is yet in place for the plant, while also referencing a separate windfarm partnership in the region. This Texas project follows Google's involvement in other gas facilities in Illinois and Nebraska. Despite this, Google maintains its focus on carbon-free energy, asserting that natural gas usage is part of a strategy to build the grid rather than a departure from climate goals. However, the company's sustainability reports indicate a softening of its commitments, with a 48% rise in greenhouse gas emissions since 2019, primarily due to data center energy consumption driven by AI growth. The company has shifted its ambitious 2030 goals to "climate moonshots," acknowledging increased complexity in achieving them. Thomas noted that other "hyperscalers" like Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft are also increasingly turning to natural gas to meet the high energy demands of AI data centers, reflecting a broader tension between the race to build AI infrastructure and corporate climate pledges.