Amazon builds 7.65GW gas power plant in Texas for AI data center

Published Aug 7, 07:26 PM UTC

Amazon is developing a massive 7.65 gigawatt gas power plant in Pecos County, Texas, to power an AI data center, according to a report by The Distilled newsletter. The project, called GW Ranch, has received a state permit allowing 33 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, making it the largest pollution source in the U.S., surpassing the biggest coal plant. The plant will initially operate off-grid, separate from Texas's power grid. Amazon has filed construction permits for three data center buildings, and land clearing has begun. This contradicts Amazon's Climate Pledge commitment to net-zero emissions by 2040. While Amazon claims it has 10 GW of carbon-free energy in Texas and will use non-potable brackish water, the project faces likely public backlash due to data centers' unpopularity across party lines, concerns over pollution, limited job creation, and potential strain on local resources.