New Gas-Powered Data Centers Could Emit More Greenhouse Gases Than Entire Nations

WIRED reviewed permits for 11 U.S. data center campuses and found their proposed gas projects could emit more greenhouse gases than Morocco did in 2024.

The sites include projects linked to xAI and Microsoft, highlighting how AI infrastructure is increasingly turning to private, behind-the-meter gas generation.

The permits could add more than 129 million tons of greenhouse gases a year, intensifying climate concerns beyond the power grid.

Local communities and advocates, including the NAACP, are opposing the projects over pollution and health risks.