Now Reading: Amazon’s 7.65GW Texas AI plant may be largest US CO2 source
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Amazon’s 7.65GW Texas AI plant may be largest US CO2 source
Amazon’s planned 7.65GW natural gas power plant for its Pecos County AI data centre in Texas could release 33 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, potentially making it the single biggest source of…
The Story in Brief
Amazon’s planned 7.65GW natural gas power plant for its Pecos County AI data centre in Texas could release 33 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, potentially making it the single biggest source of emissions from a US power plant, according to permits seen by the New York Times. The project uses 35 turbines to run the facility 'behind the meter', avoiding years-long grid connections.
The development puts pressure on Amazon’s 2040 net-zero pledge, which it co-founded in 2019. Spokeswoman Margaret Callahan acknowledged that 'the world looks different now' but insisted the commitment is unchanged. The economic times report notes that Amazon’s emissions have already risen as it expands AI infrastructure.
The Indian Opinion
The usual narrative pits climate pledges against AI progress. But the real tension is between long-term targets and short-term convenience. Amazon chose gas over waiting for grid upgrades or investing faster in renewables. Given that its emissions are already climbing, the Texas plant makes the 2040 target look aspirational at best. The test will be whether Amazon actually runs those 35 turbines at full capacity, or uses them as backup while pushing for cheaper clean power. If emissions rise again next year, the pledge is hollow.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
