US Prepares for Natural Gas Power Plant Boom

The demand for electricity generated by AI data centers is surging, with estimates suggesting that up to 80 new gas-fired plants could be built in the U.S. by 2030 to meet this need. Energy analysts predict an additional 46 gigawatts of capacity, representing a significant increase over the past five years, as companies like Chevron and Exxon collaborate with power generators to provide lower-carbon energy. However, this growth in natural gas infrastructure poses a challenge to climate targets set by the Biden administration, which aims for substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. In contrast, the reopening of Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island Unit 1 reactor could offer a nuclear energy solution to support the growing electricity demands sustainably. Experts emphasize the urgent need for reliable energy sources as AI technologies demand more computing power, which can dramatically increase electricity consumption. The overall energy landscape is shifting, balancing the boom in fossil fuel development with calls for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.