Supported By Big Oil, Data Center Boom Faces Growing Local Opposition - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica discusses the rapid expansion of data centers in the US driven by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, highlighting the significant electricity demand this growth entails. By 2028, data centers could consume between 6.7 to 12 percent of all US-generated electricity, with associated emissions comparable to those from 10 million motor vehicles. ExxonMobil’s CEO sees this as an opportunity and is promoting the development of data center campuses powered by methane-fueled thermal generators equipped with carbon capture technology, claiming up to 90 percent of emissions could be captured. This approach is presented as a quick solution to meet the urgent energy needs of AI infrastructure without waiting for new renewable grid connections. However, the article is highly critical of Exxon’s plan, labeling it as greenwashing based on the company’s historical failures to deliver on emissions reduction promises. Experts cited in the article argue that carbon capture technology has consistently proven to be financially unsustainable and less effective compared to investing directly in renewable energy