US Gas Power Pipeline for AI Data Centers Surges to 189 GW

Key points

• Global Energy Monitor found 189 GW of gas capacity in development for US data centers as of mid-2026, up from 97 GW in late 2025.
• Total US gas capacity in development reached 378 GW, accounting for one-third of the global total, with a potential capital cost exceeding $647 billion.
• Texas accounts for nearly one-third of the US pipeline, with 122 GW in development, 77 GW of which are directly tied to data centers.
• The US is now building twice as much gas-fired capacity as China, reversing a trend where China previously led in gas construction.
• Turbine supply constraints are forcing developers to use less efficient reciprocating engines and smaller aeroderivative units to bypass backlogs.

Background

This development follows earlier reports of a global gas-turbine bottleneck, where major manufacturers faced multi-year lead times, forcing AI infrastructure companies to seek alternative power solutions. Recent months have also seen specific controversies, such as Amazon’s backing of a massive Texas gas plant and local opposition to data center expansions due to noise and resource concerns. The current surge represents a broader acceleration of these behind-the-meter power strategies.

How outlets are covering it

WIRED and Heatmap emphasize the climate implications, noting that the shift to inefficient engines could increase US power emissions by up to 20% and lock in decades of pollution. The Guardian highlights the geopolitical shift, noting that the US is now outpacing China in gas construction, contradicting claims that China is the primary driver of fossil fuel expansion. Global Energy Monitor provides the raw data, stressing that while the pipeline is massive, over three-quarters of projects remain in early stages, with significant uncertainty regarding financing and permitting. All sources agree that the Trump administration’s encouragement of private power generation and the elimination of environmental reviews have accelerated this buildout.

Why it matters

The rapid expansion of gas-fired power for data centers threatens to reverse progress in decarbonizing the US power sector. If these projects proceed, they could lock in high emissions for decades and increase electricity costs for ratepayers. The reliance on less efficient technology due to supply chain issues exacerbates environmental concerns, while local opposition and regulatory hurdles may slow the pace of construction, creating a complex landscape for AI infrastructure development.

What to watch

Developers will likely continue to pivot toward engines and smaller turbines to bypass supply chain bottlenecks. Regulatory battles over permitting and local opposition may delay or alter many projects. The Trump administration’s policies on fast-tracking permits and tax incentives will play a crucial role in determining how many of these 189 GW of planned capacity actually come online. Monitoring the transition from announced to under-construction phases will be key to understanding the real impact on emissions and energy costs.