POLICY · REGULATION · #2388
HARC report: Texas data center buildout could erase decades of air-quality gains
A Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) modeling study finds that if planned and proposed Texas data centers draw power from the anticipated grid mix, fine particulate pollution from the power sector could more than triple and NOx emissions could rise ~136%, while CO2 could climb ~90% above 2025 levels — erasing decades of air-quality improvements. HARC notes outcomes depend on choices by developers and utilities: pairing grid power with onsite renewables could cut NOx by up to tenfold, whereas onsite gas engines or less-efficient gas turbines would drive much higher emissions; many projects are still speculative.
KEY POINTS
- A Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) modeling study finds that if planned and proposed Texas data centers draw power from the anticipated grid mix, fine particulate pollution from the power sector could more than triple and NOx emissions could rise ~136%, while CO2 could climb ~90% above 2025 levels — erasing decades of air-quality improvements.
- HARC notes outcomes depend on choices by developers and utilities: pairing grid power with onsite renewables could cut NOx by up to tenfold, whereas onsite gas engines or less-efficient gas turbines would drive much higher emissions; many projects are still speculative.
- The findings link decisions about data center siting and onsite power technologies to large public‑health and climate consequences, affecting policy and permitting choices in a major AI-infrastructure market.
WHY IT MATTERS
The findings link decisions about data center siting and onsite power technologies to large public‑health and climate consequences, affecting policy and permitting choices in a major AI-infrastructure market.