Powered by RebelMouse

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.

Related:

www.nytimes.com
Two images showing the same mountain range, one with adequate snow and one with less snow
Credit: Zyanya Citlalli/Unsplash+

As glaciers shrink, Central Asian states find way to share water

Five Central Asian nations once bickered over the water from regional glaciers. Now, with climate change looming, they appear set to share use.
Read the Full Article on www.csmonitor.com
a mountain range with light snow and a desert environment in the foreground
Credit: Ikona Art/Unsplash

Warm temperatures hamper snowpack formation in Nevada

Snowpack in Nevada and the Eastern Sierra – a major source of water for the Truckee River in northern Nevada – are below normal at 74% of median for the time of year.

Read the Full Article on nevadacurrent.com
A pump jack with a maintenance worker on a platform next to it
Credit: Getty Images/Unsplash+

‘Wrong side of history’: Report ties top polluters to countries blocking fossil fuel phaseout

Many state-owned fossil fuel firms that emitted the highest levels of pollution in 2024 went on to block a phaseout roadmap at COP30.
Read the Full Article on www.euronews.com
A row of oil drilling pump jacks against a sunset
Credit: Getty Images/Unsplash+

US energy secretary calls for doubling global oil output in Davos

The world needs to more than double oil production, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said at Davos, while criticising the European Union and the state of California for wasting money on what he described as inefficient green energy.

Read the Full Article on www.reuters.com
an empty office with a desk and a book shelf
Credit: Brian Wangenheim/Unsplash

What happened after Trump cut funding to environmental justice and community groups

Across the country, communities that lost grants have responded in a variety of ways — suing the government, searching for other funds, or simply moving on.

Read the Full Article on grist.org
A man wearing a hard hat standing in front of solar panels
Credit: Hrant Khachatryan/Unsplash+

The consequences of Trump's war on climate in 7 charts

Seven snapshots reveal how climate rollbacks altered the trajectory of U.S. energy, environmental protection, and economic security.
Read the Full Article on grist.org
China renewable energy, wind and solar energy concept. Chinese flag superimposed with wind turbines and solar panels
Credit: Anton_Medvedev/ Big Stock Photo ID: 431444246

Economic interests drive Chinese climate leadership amid U.S. retreat

As the United States retreats from climate policy, China signaled its rising intent to lead a transition away from fossil fuels and toward Chinese-made renewable energy technologies in remarks to world leaders on Tuesday.

Read the Full Article on insideclimatenews.org
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

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.

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

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.”

www.ehn.org
Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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

www.ehn.org
Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

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

www.ehn.org
silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

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.”

www.ehn.org
wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

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

www.ehn.org
Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.