Texas data center growth could reverse air-quality gains, report says
Original title: Texas data center boom could erase decades of progress on air quality
HARC models NOx rising 35% by 2031 on a cleaner path and nearly 400% with on-site gas.
A Houston Advanced Research Center report says Texas data-center growth could undo much of the state's air-quality progress by the end of the decade, depending on power supply. Modeling cited by the Texas Tribune projects statewide nitrogen oxide emissions up 35% by 2031 even in a cleaner grid-and-renewables case, and nearly 400% if centers use traditional on-site natural gas. The story notes at least 288 planned projects, ERCOT connection delays, and a temporary halt by Gov. Greg Abbott on new grid connections pending an audit.
Unconfirmed: Emission figures are scenario projections from the HARC report, not measured future outcomes.
- Under on-site gas, NOx is modeled 136% higher by 2031, near 2004 levels.
- VOCs would exceed the 2002 level by 32% in that scenario.
- Large-project grid demand is estimated at 439 gigawatts.
- Planned capacity of individual projects ranges from 5 to 11,000 megawatts.
From the original article
6 min read at texastribune.org
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By hn_acker · texastribune.org
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