Amazon is moving forward with plans to power a new data center in West Texas through the construction of a dedicated natural gas power plant. The facility, located in Pecos County, will utilize 35 natural-gas turbines to generate approximately 7.65 gigawatts of electricity. Unlike typical data center operations that draw from the existing public utility grid, this plant is designed to serve the data center directly, operating as a private power source.

The project has become a focal point of environmental concern due to its scale and fuel source. Reports indicate that the plant could rank among the largest single producers of greenhouse gases in the United States. While Amazon has publicly committed to various renewable energy goals, this specific investment relies on fossil fuels to meet the high energy demands required by modern data processing and cloud infrastructure. The Verge notes that the project is currently being tracked by industry monitors like Cleanview, highlighting the tension between the rapid expansion of tech infrastructure and climate impact goals. As of now, the facility is not slated for connection to the broader Texas power grid, meaning its emissions profile will be tied exclusively to the data center's operations.