The rise of AI is giving a new boost to the fracking industry, which has long faced criticism for polluting water, causing earthquakes, and relying on fossil fuels. Many AI companies are building huge data centers near gas fields and often generate their own electricity using natural gas.
AI Growth is Boosting Fracking in Texas
For example, Poolside is constructing a massive data center on 500 acres in West Texas, using gas from the Permian Basin to power its operations. OpenAI, Meta, and even Elon Musk’s xAI are doing similar projects in Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Residents near these sites are frustrated by constant construction, bright lights, and potential water shortages, especially in drought-prone areas.
Fossil Fuels vs. Clean Energy
AI companies argue that gas-powered data centers are needed to meet the huge energy demands and to stay competitive with countries like China.
The U.S. government has supported these projects by fast-tracking permits and offering incentives for gas, coal, and nuclear power but not for renewable energy.
Experts, however, say much of this new capacity might not be necessary, as utilities often use only half of their available electricity. Meanwhile, private investors are funding solar, fusion, and other clean energy alternatives for AI centers. For now, though, local communities face environmental impacts and higher costs while fossil fuel infrastructure continues to expand.
