The Financial Times reported on January 13 that, as large tech companies turn to fossil fuels to meetAIThe revolution has brought about a greatelectrical powerdemand, the U.S. is ushering in natural gaspower plantsbuilding boom, a trend that could jeopardize the achievement of climate goals.
1AI notes that energy consulting firm Enverus says thatUp to 80 new natural gas-fired power plants will be built in the U.S. by 2030In addition, 46 GW of installed capacity has been added, which is equivalent to the size of Norway's entire power system and nearly 20% more than has been added in the past five years.
Installed natural gas capacity in the U.S. may be growing faster, according to energy research firms Wood Mackenzie and S&P Global Market Intelligence.It will grow by 35% and 66% respectively over the next five years, far exceeding the rate of construction over the last five years.
The rapid growth of gas-fired power plants could jeopardize U.S. climate goals, experts warn. While natural gas is cleaner than coal and oil, the greenhouse gases it emits still contribute to global warming. If the trend of relying on this fossil fuel continues, it could make it more challenging for the U.S. to reduce carbon emissions.