Northwest utilities turn to natural gas to meet data center energy demand, reports find
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News From The States
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Summary
Electric utilities in Washington and Oregon are increasingly relying on natural gas to meet surging energy demand from data centers, according to reports from Columbia Riverkeeper and Sightline Institute. Utility companies are investing in new gas-powered infrastructure and purchasing gas-generated electricity from other states to power data centers. In some counties, public utility districts are permitting gas-powered generators for data center backup power, raising environmental concerns about increased fossil fuel dependence in the region.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledElectric utilities in Washington and Oregon are turning to gas to meet rapid and growing energy demand from data centers, according to recent reports.
A growing number of Northwest utility companies are spending on new gas-powered energy infrastructure or buying gas-powered energy from other states to power new demand from data centers.
In some counties, public utility districts are permitting gas-powered generators to provide data centers with backup power.
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