Microsoft is facing opposition over its plans for a natural gas-powered data center in Wisconsin, with environmental groups warning it could hinder state climate goals. The company, however, asserts its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2025 through substantial investments in clean energy. Similarly, Meta is building a large data center in Louisiana, pledging to match its electricity use with renewable energy. The article features perspectives from industry leaders, noting a shift from the concept of an "energy transition" to an "energy reality," emphasizing the continued need for oil and gas amidst growing demands from AI and data centers.
Key takeaways:
- New natural gas power plants are being built across America, driven by tech companies like Microsoft and Meta due to a shortage of clean energy.
- These gas plants are often presented as temporary solutions until more clean power is available, but the timeline for implementing carbon capture technology is unclear.
- Microsoft and Meta claim they will offset their natural gas use with investments in clean energy, aiming to match their electricity use with 100% clean energy by 2025.
- The energy transition is becoming more complex, with increasing demand for energy driven by AI and data centers, leading to a resurgence in oil and gas reliance.