Amazon to run West Texas data center on massive gas plant
Amazon plans to power its new data center in Pecos County, West Texas, with a massive on-site natural gas power plant, which could become one of the nation's largest single sources of greenhouse gas emissions. This development comes as Texas faces strain on its power grid, leading Governor Greg Abbott to announce a de facto moratorium on data center approvals pending regulatory audits.
Amazon is moving forward with plans to power its new data center campus in Pecos County, West Texas, using an on-site natural gas power plant. The facility is expected to be one of the largest power generators in the nation, potentially emitting over 33 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, significantly more than the current dirtiest U.S. coal plant. Amazon spokesperson Margaret Callahan confirmed the company would cover the full cost of powering its operations.
This project highlights a growing trend among data center developers in Texas to build their own power generation units to bypass lengthy connection waitlists for the state's main grid, managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The development also follows a recent de facto moratorium on data center approvals announced by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who ordered the Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT to audit proposed projects and ensure data centers meet certain standards regarding water reuse, electricity costs, and infrastructure contributions.
Environmental groups, including Environment Texas executive director Luke Metzger, have expressed concern that the push for on-site power generation will lead tech companies to prioritize natural gas over renewable energy sources, increasing climate and local air pollution. Amazon has stated its commitment to net-zero CO2 emissions by 2040 and is exploring solar energy and battery storage options for the Pecos County site, while also noting its existing 10 GW of carbon-free energy projects in Texas.