According to a recent analysis by Global Energy Monitor (GEM), the United States has overtaken China in the development of new gas-fired power generation capacity. While China has historically led in this sector due to its rapid economic expansion, the US has seen a 76% increase in new gas power projects, a trend researchers describe as a 'frenzy' driven by the infrastructure needs of the artificial intelligence industry.

The report highlights that the surge in data center construction is placing significant pressure on the US electrical grid, necessitating a rapid expansion of power sources. Because data centers require consistent, high-volume energy, gas-fired plants are being prioritized to meet these immediate needs. This development marks a notable reversal in global energy trends, as the US now leads the world in the volume of gas-fired capacity currently under development.

While the report emphasizes the role of AI in this energy shift, it also notes the environmental implications of this growth. The expansion of fossil-fuel-based power generation is expected to contribute to an increase in planet-heating emissions, complicating efforts to meet climate goals. The data suggests that the demand for reliable, 'always-on' power for AI infrastructure is currently outpacing the deployment of renewable energy alternatives in the US, leading to a reliance on natural gas to bridge the gap.