US Leads Global Gas Power Surge Fueled by Artificial Intelligence Demands
The United States is spearheading an unprecedented global expansion in gas-fired power generation, with new projects set to triple worldwide capacity by 2026. This dramatic increase is primarily driven by the soaring electricity demands of artificial intelligence datacenters, according to a comprehensive forecast by Global Energy Monitor.
Record-Breaking Gas Capacity Additions Forecast
This year is projected to shatter previous records for new gas power installations globally. Planned and under-construction projects scheduled for 2026 are expected to nearly triple existing gas capacity worldwide. The United States has tripled its planned gas-fired capacity for 2025, positioning itself at the forefront of this fossil fuel expansion.
Approximately one-third of the 252 gigawatts of gas power currently in development will be situated directly at datacenter sites, highlighting the intimate connection between AI infrastructure growth and fossil fuel dependency. This trend represents a significant departure from previous energy development patterns.
Climate Consequences of Gas Expansion
The environmental cost of this gas boom is substantial. If all currently planned US gas projects reach completion, they will generate approximately 12.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over their operational lifetimes. This staggering figure represents double the current annual emissions from all sources within the United States.
Globally, the planned gas expansion could produce 53.2 billion tonnes of emissions if fully implemented, pushing the planet toward more severe climate impacts including intensified heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and devastating floods. These projections come as climate scientists continue to warn about the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels to prevent catastrophic global heating.
Texas Emerges as Epicenter of US Gas Boom
Within the United States, Texas has become the focal point of this gas power expansion, with 57.9 gigawatts of new gas capacity underway last year. Louisiana and Pennsylvania follow as significant contributors to the national trend. By 2026, new gas additions in the US are expected to surpass the previous annual record of 100 gigawatts set back in 2002.
The United States now accounts for nearly a quarter of all global gas capacity in development, leading other major players including China, Vietnam, Iraq, and Brazil. China, the world's largest carbon emitter, installed 22.4 gigawatts of gas capacity last year, marking its highest single-year addition ever recorded.
Political and Economic Dimensions of Energy Expansion
The rapid growth of AI infrastructure has received enthusiastic political support, with promises to remove regulatory barriers to datacenter development. However, this expansion has already contributed to increased greenhouse gas emissions and rising electricity demand, resulting in higher power bills for many American households despite political assurances about reducing energy costs.
Energy experts note that blocking clean energy projects while escalating liquefied natural gas exports has contributed to rising domestic gas prices. After remaining static in 2026, prices are forecast to surge again next year, creating additional financial pressure on consumers.
Community Concerns and Environmental Backlash
Grassroots opposition to datacenters has emerged in various communities, with concerns focusing on escalating power bills and substantial water consumption by these facilities. Some projects have faced delays or cancellations due to public resistance, creating political challenges for supporters of rapid energy expansion.
In western Pennsylvania, a controversial plan to convert a shuttered coal plant into the nation's largest gas-fired facility to power a datacenter campus has divided local communities. Environmental advocates warn that the new facility could create worse air quality issues than the original coal plant, while generating power primarily for corporate profit rather than residential needs.
As the datacenter expansion continues with major projects like Meta's $1.5 billion gas-powered facility in Texas, energy researchers predict US electricity demand could increase by 60% by 2050 due to new AI infrastructure. This projection underscores the long-term implications of current energy development decisions for both climate stability and economic affordability.
