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US AI Data-Center Gas Buildout Risks 15 Years of Power Emissions Gains

October 28, 2026 at 15:10 EDT

Infra & Chips
Policy & Regulation

A surge in fossil-fueled power projects for AI data centers could erase 15 years of declines in US electricity-sector greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new Bloomberg analysis. Developers are turning to natural gas as the race to secure electricity outpaces grid connections. The analysis

OCTOBER 28, 2026 · US POWER

AI Power Growth Puts Emissions Gains at Risk

Fossil-fueled power projects for AI data centers could undo 15 years of declining US power-sector emissions.

THE EMISSIONS TREND

15 years at risk

Each block represents one year of power-sector emissions decline.

ANNUAL CO2 EMISSIONS

Proposed gas capacity in perspective

Each full vertical block represents 100 million metric tons; partial blocks preserve the scale.

US power sector
2025 actual

1,485 Mt CO2

Proposed gas plants
at standard run rates

318 Mt CO2/year

The proposed plants' estimated emissions equal about one-fifth of the 2025 power-sector total.

WHY DEVELOPERS TURN TO GAS

A faster route to power, with an emissions cost

AI data-center demand

→

Grid connection delays

→

On-site gas generation

→

Emissions pressure

Developer rationale

On-site generation can shorten the path to dependable electricity while grid connections lag.

Climate concern

More gas capacity could make long-running emissions reductions harder to sustain.

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