American technology companies are scrambling to build data centers and build private gas power plants in the midst of the wave of artificial intelligence. This move is likely to lead to a sharp increase in carbon emissions and pollutants. According to some sources on the 11th, a study by US Qingjing said that a number of US AI companies plan to build about 60 data centers in the next few years, and the total installed capacity required for power generation is expected to reach 97 gigawatts in the early 2030s, which is about equivalent to Mexico's total installed capacity. According to reports, in order to meet electricity demand, most American AI companies tend to be “more polluting options,” including trailer-type generators, turbines originally designed for aircraft and warships, automobile piston engines, and industrial refurbished turbines. These measures could have a huge impact on the climate. Even according to conservative estimates, power plants associated with data centers will emit more than 200 million tons of carbon dioxide each year, equivalent to the annual carbon emissions of more than 46 million fuel-fueled vehicles. In addition to greenhouse gases, these private power plants may also emit fine particulate matter associated with various cardiopulmonary diseases, nitrogen oxides that can worsen respiratory diseases, and toxic substances such as mercury, formaldehyde, and benzene.

American technology companies are scrambling to build data centers and build private gas power plants in the midst of the wave of artificial intelligence. This move is likely to lead to a sharp increase in carbon emissions and pollutants. According to some sources on the 11th, a study by US Qingjing said that a number of US AI companies plan to build about 60 data centers in the next few years, and the total installed capacity required for power generation is expected to reach 97 gigawatts in the early 2030s, which is about equivalent to Mexico's total installed capacity. According to reports, in order to meet electricity demand, most American AI companies tend to be “more polluting options,” including trailer-type generators, turbines originally designed for aircraft and warships, automobile piston engines, and industrial refurbished turbines. These measures could have a huge impact on the climate. Even according to conservative estimates, power plants associated with data centers will emit more than 200 million tons of carbon dioxide each year, equivalent to the annual carbon emissions of more than 46 million fuel-fueled vehicles. In addition to greenhouse gases, these private power plants may also emit fine particulate matter associated with various cardiopulmonary diseases, nitrogen oxides that can worsen respiratory diseases, and toxic substances such as mercury, formaldehyde, and benzene.