The Data Center Gas Surge: An Energy Revolution Driven by Demand

The Emerging Gas Demand From Data Centers

According to a recent report by Global Energy Monitor, gas projects in the U.S. explicitly linked to data centers have skyrocketed, increasing nearly 25 times over the past two years. This surge is tied to the growing appetite for data and the rapid expansion of technology-driven industries.

“The implications are huge when you're talking about this size of a build-out,” says Jonathan Banks, a senior climate adviser.

Quantifying the Impact

More than a third of the newfound demand for gas-fired power comes from projects intended to serve data centers, equivalent to the energy required for tens of millions of American homes. In late 2025, over 97 gigawatts of demand had been tracked for data centers, a dramatic spike from around 4 gigawatts just a year and a half prior. This increase underlines an urgent trend for energy providers.

The Role of Policy

As this build-out continues, we must consider the role of governmental policy. The Trump administration has been promoting data center expansion while simultaneously rolling back pollution regulations. This trend is likely to contribute to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, throwing a wrench into the fight against climate change.

The Allure of Natural Gas

While natural gas is cleaner than coal, it still poses environmental challenges, especially in terms of CO₂ emissions and methane leaks during extraction. It's crucial to balance the demand for cleaner energy sources with the potential for increased emissions. Banks emphasizes that an efficient natural-gas-fired plant could be much cleaner than coal, but when methane emissions are factored in, their advantages diminish.

Strategies for Mitigation

• Implementing stringent regulations to minimize methane leaks.
• Investing in more renewable energy sources alongside natural gas.
• Encouraging the development of more efficient technologies for both data center construction and energy consumption.

As it stands, we are at a pivotal moment. The demands of rapidly growing sectors like artificial intelligence and cloud computing have shifted the focus of energy needs. Conclusively, the energy landscape is evolving; how we respond will dictate the future of both markets and our climate.