# AI Data Centers Spike Gas Power Plants

> AI boom drives 44% rise in gas power plants, worsening smog.
- Title: AI Data Centers Spike Gas Power Plants · Futurism | Shortify
- Summary: AI boom drives 44% rise in gas power plants, worsening smog. The US will add 20 gigawatts of gas power plants by 2030 to run AI data centers, risking clean…
- Keywords: ai data center, gas power plant, smog, environmental impact, fossil fuels, science, technology, Data, Centers, Spike, Gas, Power
- Source: Futurism — https://futurism.com/future-society/ai-data-center-boom-smog-spewing-gas-power
- Author: Joe Wilkins
- Published: 2026-10-11T17:01:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ai data center, gas power plant, smog, us, environmental impact, fossil fuels, science, technology
## US Gas Power Plants
The US runs on gas powered generators with nearly 1,000 plants as of 2022.
## AI Boom Adds 44% Gas Capacity
AI infrastructure will increase gas-fired generator capacity by 44% over four years.
## 20 Gigawatts by 2030
The US will add nearly 20 gigawatts of gas power plants by 2030, exceeding most states' output.
## Green Energy Projects Cut
Planned wind farm capacity decreased by 34% since December 2025 as gas plants expand.
## Key takeaway

The US will add 20 gigawatts of gas power plants by 2030 to run AI data centers, risking clean energy transition.