Meta taps geothermal energy to power its data centers

As data centers consume more power, Meta and Google are turning to enhanced geothermal energy to meet their clean energy needs.

Brad Plumer reports for The New York Times.

In short:

Meta partnered with Sage Geosystems to develop a 150-megawatt geothermal energy project in Texas using advanced fracking techniques.
Google is collaborating with Fervo Energy on a 5-megawatt pilot geothermal plant in Nevada, with plans for larger projects in Utah.
Enhanced geothermal is gaining traction as a reliable, emissions-free energy source that can complement wind and solar power.

Key quote:

“It’s basically the same fracking technology. The difference is that we’re going after clean heat instead of hydrocarbons.”

— Cindy Taff, CEO of Sage Geosystems

Why this matters:

Enhanced geothermal could provide a consistent, clean energy source for power-hungry data centers. Its success may help reduce the tech industry’s reliance on fossil fuels.

www.nytimes.com

Meta taps geothermal energy to power its data centers

‘I don’t trust them’: The data center fight mobilizing Imperial County voters

Los Angeles fire smoke exposed millions to toxic metals, study finds

Farmers on the frontlines of climate change reflect on an unpredictable future

‘Already feeling it’: Northern Amazon waterfall season ends early, hurting livelihoods

As the Colorado river shrinks, calls to drain Lake Powell grow

Is Brazil’s vote a turning point for climate politics?

Record-breaking high tides spark chaos — and kayak commutes — across California

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.