AI data centres could lift US power emissions 42% by 2030
A new Sierra Club analysis warns that US electricity-sector carbon emissions could be 42 per cent higher in 2030 than in 2025 if planned AI data centres are built and powered with expanded fossil fuel infrastructure. That increase could erase 15 years of emissions reductions as electricity demand rises.
The analysis estimates an additional 618 million tons of carbon dioxide a year by 2030, roughly matching the annual electricity-related emissions of 128.8 million homes. A separate academic study projected a 28 per cent rise by 2030 compared with a scenario without data centre growth. The eventual impact will depend on which projects proceed and how they are powered; US greenhouse gas emissions fell from about 6.58 billion metric tons in 2007 to 5.35 billion in 2025, but began rising again last year.
In short
- Data centre growth could drive US power emissions sharply higher.
- The Sierra Club projects a 42 per cent rise by 2030.
- The outcome depends on project growth and power sources.
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Originally published by The Verge as “Data centers could send US climate pollution skyrocketing”.