Meta’s natural gas binge could power South Dakota

Meta Platforms is significantly increasing its use of natural gas to power its data centers, a move driven by the rapidly escalating energy demands of artificial intelligence and large-scale computing infrastructure. Analysts suggest the scale of Meta's energy consumption could soon rival that of an entire U.S. state like South Dakota, highlighting the profound impact of AI on energy markets. This approach allows Meta to bypass existing electricity grid constraints and accelerate the deployment of AI facilities by building or supporting new natural gas power infrastructure near its data center sites. The company's growing dependence on fossil fuels has drawn criticism, particularly in light of its public commitments to sustainability and carbon reduction. While natural gas is considered cleaner than coal, it remains a fossil fuel that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Regulators and local communities are increasingly scrutinizing these projects, citing concerns over air quality, long-term sustainability, and the potential strain on local energy infrastructure. Meta's strategy reflects a broader trend across the technology sector, where companies are investing heavily not only in data centers but also in energy production and distribution to secure reliable power for the next generation of computing. This shift blurs the distinction between technology firms and energy providers, as they take a more direct role in managing their own power supply amidst the race to build AI infrastructure. The long-term sustainability of this natural gas-reliant strategy remains a key environmental and policy question.