US Data Center Boom Nearly Doubles Gas-Fired Power Pipeline in Six Months

New research from Global Energy Monitor shows that gas-fired power capacity dedicated to US data centers has surged from 97 gigawatts to over 189 gigawatts between early 2026 and mid-2026. Tech companies are increasingly building private, behind-the-meter plants to avoid grid connection delays, a move encouraged by the Trump administration. This rapid expansion relies heavily on inefficient turbines, raising significant climate concerns due to elevated greenhouse gas emissions.