Why is Google using natural gas for its Texas AI datacenter?

AI's insane power demands outstrip renewables right now. Gas is reliable, quick to build—though it trashes climate goals.

Does this mean Google abandoned net-zero by 2030?

Kinda. They rebranded to "moonshots," admitting AI complicates everything. Emissions up 48% already.

Nuclear (SMRs), advanced geothermal, massive solar+storage. But they're slower; gas wins short-term races.

⚖️ AI Ethics

Google swore off fossil fuels. Now it's building a massive gas plant for its AI datacenter. Hypocrisy level: expert.

theAIcatchup Apr 07, 2026 4 min read

Google's Texas gas plant emits as much CO2 as San Francisco yearly—for just two datacenter buildings. 𝕏
From 2030 net-zero leader to 'climate moonshots': Google's softened its green vows amid AI boom. 𝕏
Meta, Amazon, Microsoft follow suit—gas powers the AI arms race, hypocrisy included. 𝕏

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#AI energy consumption #AI energy crisis #Big Tech emissions #Google AI datacenter #climate goals #climate goals pivot #climate hypocrisy #gas power plant Texas #natural gas power #natural gas power plant

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Originally reported by The Guardian - AI