Gas power plants approved for Meta’s $10B data center, and not everyone is happy

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has received approval to power its $10 billion data center with three gas-fired power plants, generating a total of 2.25 gigawatts of electricity. This decision has sparked concerns among environmental groups and local residents. The data center, which is being built in New Albany, Ohio, will rely on these gas-fired power plants to meet its substantial energy demands. However, the use of fossil fuel-based power generation has raised questions about the environmental impact and Meta's commitment to sustainability. Environmental advocates argue that the decision contradicts Meta's stated goals of reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to renewable energy sources. They express concerns about the greenhouse gas emissions and the potential impact on local air quality. The approval of the gas power plants has divided opinions, with some seeing it as a pragmatic solution to support the data center's operations, while others view it as a missed opportunity to prioritize renewable energy alternatives. The debate highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing the demands of technology and the need for sustainable energy practices.