Amazon Texas data-center plant uses less efficient simple-cycle turbines
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Amazon's off-grid data-center power plant in Texas is permitted to emit up to 33 million tons of greenhouse gases a year and relies solely on simple-cycle gas turbines. These turbines release more emissions than the combined-cycle units used at most on-grid plants because they lack a steam component to capture waste heat. Even at half the permitted output, the facility would still emit more greenhouse gas than 78 average-sized natural gas plants, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Key Facts
- Amazon's Texas off-grid data-center plant is permitted to emit up to 33 million tons of greenhouse gases per year.
- The project will rely solely on simple-cycle turbines, which release more emissions than the combined-cycle units used at most on-grid plants.
- Even at half of the permitted level, the facility would still emit more greenhouse gas pollution than 78 average-sized natural gas plants, according to the U.S. EPA.
- At least three Ohio power plants being developed by Williams for Meta also plan to use simple-cycle units, according to permit applications.
- Crusoe is building a Texas power plant with 39 simple-cycle turbines for Microsoft's Stargate campus, and Google's Goodnight data center permit lists 20 simple-cycle turbines.
Amazon's Texas Plant Design
Amazon has acquired a massive off-grid power plant being built in Texas for one of its data centers. The plant is permitted to emit up to 33 million tons of greenhouse gases per year. The project will rely solely on simple-cycle turbines, which mix fuel and air in a combustion chamber and let off significant waste heat. Combined-cycle units, generally used at on-grid power plants, add a steam turbine to capture waste heat and convert it into more energy, releasing fewer emissions for the same energy output.
Spread of Simple-Cycle Plants
At least three power plants being developed in Ohio by Williams for Meta will also rely on simple-cycle units, according to permit applications. In Abilene, Texas, Crusoe is building a power plant on its Stargate campus to power a Microsoft data center with 39 simple-cycle turbines. The permit application for Google's Goodnight data center at another Texas site describes relying on 20 simple-cycle turbines. Both xAI's Colossus 1 and Colossus 2 data centers in Memphis are being powered by dozens of simple-cycle turbines. Williams and Crusoe said their gas plants comply with local and national regulations and are outfitted with emissions control technology.
Efficiency and Climate Toll
Permitted emissions on natural gas plants are usually much higher than their actual emissions. Even at half the permitted amount, Amazon's facility would still create more greenhouse gas pollution than 78 average-sized natural gas plants, according to the U.S. EPA. Amazon spokesperson Margaret Callahan said the plant provides on-site generation that will not raise electricity costs for Texas families and that the site will also have solar and battery storage. Callahan added that Amazon remains committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2040. Britt Burt, senior vice president at Industrial Info Resources, said he did not expect developers to lean so heavily on simple-cycle turbines and called it not the most efficient way to use a gas turbine.
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Amazon Texas data-center plant uses less efficient simple-cycle turbines
