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:

An Asian farmer with a hat on watering their crops

Climate change has created a meta-crisis in food security, energy, and the economy, says Greek expert

Emmanuella Doussis is the UNESCO Chair on Climate Diplomacy and Professor of International Institutions at the University of Athens.
Several Somalian women carry bags of food at an African refugee camp

Climate change is fuelling African conflict – governments are developing a shared response

African countries are now crafting the first continent-wide framework to tackle how climate disasters can worsen hunger, displacement, and conflict.

A view of the entrance to the United Nations building with rows of world flags lined along a green lawn
Credit: nat_natto/BigStock Photo ID: 197507698

Competing climate visions clash at UN General Assembly

While President Donald Trump pushed against cutting emissions and regulating technology, environmentalists called for world leaders to reject conflict and build a stable future with clean energy.
Computer generated 3D illustration with oil pumps, solar panels and wind turbines
Credit: MIRO3D/BigStock Photo ID: 147195269

US utilities get failing grade on clean energy transition

Too many utilities are keeping coal plants open, planning new gas plants, and building less renewable energy, the Sierra Club’s latest “Dirty Truth Report” finds.

Myriad pump jacks working a crowded California oil field
Credit: DogoraSun/BigStock Photo ID: 453434903

The former fracking executive selling Trump’s ‘energy dominance’ vision

Energy Secretary Chris Wright is pitching a future of fossil fuel abundance. It’s not always an easy sell while war drags on and oil prices surge.
Two towers at a coal power plant

How Trump’s repeal of the greenhouse gas rule could increase emissions from Georgia

Advocates in Georgia warn a Trump administration rollback on climate standards for power plants will increase greenhouse gas emissions. 
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.

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.”

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

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.”

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.

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