AI datacentres plan on-site power stations on huge scale despite climate risks, research reveals
Summary
A BloombergNEF report says planned AI datacentres in the US, UK and mainland Europe could add 181 gigawatts of on-site gas-fired power capacity as developers face delays connecting to electricity grids. If built, the facilities could emit about 345 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually in the US, while the report warns that temporary gas plants could remain in use after grid connections become available.Key Facts
- The proposed 181 gigawatts of gas-fired capacity is nearly four times Great Britain’s peak electricity demand.
- The report says 90% of the planned on-site gas capacity is in the US.
- The projected US emissions are comparable to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of about 72.8 million fossil-fuel cars.
- AI datacentre electricity demand is projected to reach 2,354 terawatt-hours by 2035, or 7% of global electricity demand.
- BloombergNEF says faster grid connections and cleaner power generation could reduce emissions and the risk of long-term reliance on gas.
- UK planned datacentres made more than 100 inquiries about connecting to gas in 2024–25, according to Future Energy Networks.
- Two UK datacentre projects, Wapseys Wood in Buckinghamshire and Quest Park in Bedfordshire, are seeking on-site gas-fired power stations.
- The UK government has backed temporary on-site fossil-fuel power stations for datacentres awaiting grid connections.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
