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Nevada Data Centers Fueling Fossil Fuel Plants
1 Sep
Summary
- Two gas power plants proposed near Reno for data centers.
- Plants would burn three times more methane than Northern Nevada homes.
- Critics warn plants undermine state's renewable energy goals.
A major data center developer, Fleet Data Centers, is seeking approval to construct two private gas power plants near Reno, Nevada. The facilities, intended to power new data center campuses, would generate over 360 megawatts using methane gas-fired engines.
This proposal comes as data center growth outpaces NV Energy's current capacity to supply electricity. Fleet Data Centers stated the gas plants are a temporary solution, expected to operate for two to three years until NV Energy can provide permanent service.
However, advocates argue the plants would significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions and undermine Nevada's 2019 renewable portfolio standard, which mandates 50% renewable energy by 2030. The plants' methane consumption would be triple that of NV Energy's Northern Nevada residential and commercial customers in 2025.
The Public Utility Commission of Nevada is expected to make a decision on September 8. This case highlights a growing trend of data center builders turning to private fossil fuel plants to meet the demand for AI services.
