Google to Use Natural Gas to Power Massive Data Center in Texas

New research, confirmed by Google, reveals that the tech giant plans to partner with Crusoe Energy on a natural gas-fired power plant to power its Goodnight data center campus in Armstrong County, Texas. This plant is projected to emit up to 4.5 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, surpassing the emissions of San Francisco. Crusoe Energy filed for a permit in January for the 933-megawatt plant, which is intended to operate off the grid and supply energy to at least two buildings at the data center. Michael Thomas, founder of Cleanview, a research organization that unearthed this plan, noted that this is one of Google's first direct investments in fossil fuel infrastructure, signaling a major strategic shift for a company long considered a clean energy leader. Chrissy Moy, a Google spokesperson, did not deny the project but stated that no contract is yet in place for the plant. While Google has emphasized a continued focus on carbon-free energy and building the grid, this Texas project is the third known gas facility the company has become involved with recently, following agreements in Illinois and explorations in Nebraska. Google's sustainability reports indicate a softening of its ambitious 2030 net-zero emissions goals, with a 48% rise in greenhouse gas emissions since 2019 attributed to data center energy consumption. The company now frames its climate goals as "climate moonshots" due to the rapid growth of AI and associated energy demands. The article also highlights a broader industry trend, noting that other hyperscalers like Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft are also increasingly turning to natural gas to power their AI data centers, despite earlier net-zero pledges. Thomas suggests this reflects a growing tension between climate commitments and the intense competition in the AI development race.