New Gas-Powered Data Centers Could Emit More Greenhouse Gases Than Whole Nations
A WIRED investigation reveals that proposed natural gas-powered data centers linked to major AI companies like OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and xAI could emit over 129 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, surpassing the total emissions of entire nations such as Morocco and Jamaica. These behind-the-meter power projects are being developed to bypass strained electrical grids and meet soaring energy demands from AI infrastructure. Although actual emissions may be lower than permit estimates, experts warn the projects could significantly undermine climate goals. Community opposition and environmental concerns are growing, especially in low-income areas near proposed sites.
- ▪Air permit documents show 11 U.S. data center campuses using natural gas could emit more than 129 million tons of greenhouse gases per year, exceeding Morocco’s 2024 emissions.
- ▪xAI’s two data center campuses in Tennessee and Mississippi could each emit over 6.4 million tons of CO2 annually, totaling emissions equivalent to more than 30 average natural gas plants.
- ▪A single Chevron-backed gas project in Texas that Microsoft is reportedly considering could emit over 11.5 million tons of greenhouse gases yearly—more than Jamaica’s annual emissions.
- ▪Meta’s three behind-the-meter gas projects in Ohio could emit up to 5.5 million tons of CO2 annually, potentially offsetting over 10% of the company’s claimed emissions reductions since 2021.
- ▪The Stargate Project, tied to OpenAI, includes gas-powered data centers with combined potential emissions of over 24 million tons per year across Texas and New Mexico.
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Molly TaftScienceApr 22, 2026 6:30 AMNew Gas-Powered Data Centers Could Emit More Greenhouse Gases Than Entire NationsA WIRED review of permits for data center projects using natural gas and linked to OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and xAI shows they could emit more than 129 million tons of greenhouse gases per year. PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION: WIRED STAFF; GETTY IMAGESCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyNew gas projects linked to just 11 data center campuses around the US have the potential to create more greenhouse gases than the country of Morocco emitted in 2024.
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