A new gas-burning power plant in Pecos County, Texas, intended to support an Amazon data center, has received a permit allowing for significant CO2 emissions.
Key facts
- •The GW Ranch facility is permitted to release up to 33 million tons of CO2.
- •The plant will feature 35 natural-gas turbines capable of producing 7.65 gigawatts of electricity.
- •The energy generated by the plant is intended to power an Amazon data center directly.
- •Amazon has confirmed it purchased the site and plans to buy power from the plant.
- •Amazon's emissions have risen for several consecutive years due to AI-related energy demands.
Amazon is investing in a new natural-gas power plant in Pecos County, Texas, to supply electricity to a nearby data center. The facility, known as GW Ranch, has received a permit from Texas allowing for the emission of up to 33 million tons of CO2. The plant is expected to utilize 35 natural-gas turbines to generate 7.65 gigawatts of electricity, primarily dedicated to the data center rather than the state power grid.
By the numbers
Emissions and Regulatory Context
According to data from Cleanview, the permitted emission levels for the GW Ranch site exceed those of the largest coal plant currently operating in the United States. While power plants often emit less than their maximum permitted levels, the high limit has drawn attention to the project's environmental footprint. Amazon has confirmed its purchase of the site and its intent to source power from the facility.
Impact on Corporate Climate Goals
The project presents a challenge to Amazon's Climate Pledge, which aims for the company to reach carbon neutrality by 2040. Amazon's total emissions have increased over the past several years, a trend the company attributes to the rising energy demands of artificial intelligence. Amazon spokesperson Margaret Callahan stated that while the world has changed since the pledge was co-founded, the company's commitment remains unchanged.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Verge.
