As AI-driven data centers consume more energy, natural gas pipeline operators see a golden opportunity. Proximity to natural gas lines is becoming as crucial as access to high-speed fiber-optic networks. Data centers are now looking to satisfy their growing power needs with on-site gas power generation.
Energy Transfer LP’s Strategic Discussions
During recent earnings calls, Energy Transfer LP and Williams Companies shared insights into ongoing talks with data center operators. These operators are considering building on-site gas power generation to ensure a steady energy supply. Mackie McCrea, co-CEO of Energy Transfer LP, highlighted the potential. “We are in discussions with multiple data centers across four states. Many want to put generation on-site, presenting an enormous opportunity for us,” McCrea said.
Growing Power Demand Forecast
Energy Transfer LP’s pipelines already span 15 states, serving 185 power plants. McCrea estimates that power demand could increase by 30 to 40 gigawatts over the next six to eight years due to new data center hookups.
Williams Companies’ Backlog of Projects
Williams Companies CEO Alan Armstrong echoed this optimism. The company has a significant backlog of projects, particularly in the Southeast and Atlantic regions. However, Armstrong acknowledged the challenge of managing the volume of requests, saying, “We are overwhelmed with the number of projects and are trying to make sense of them.”
On-Site Gas Plants: A Growing Trend
The trend of data centers turning to on-site gas plants isn’t new. For instance, Microsoft spent €100 million last year to build 22 gas-powered generators for its €900 million data center outside Dublin, Ireland, where utility capacity is uncertain. Similarly, Amazon Web Services (AWS) powers some of its Oregon data centers with natural gas fuel cells. These cells generate electricity without combustion, though they still produce CO2.
Nuclear Energy’s Role in AI Power Consumption
Interestingly, the surge in AI-related power consumption is drawing attention to nuclear energy. AWS recently acquired Cumulus Data’s atomic data center campus for $650 million. Companies like Microsoft are also exploring the deployment of small modular reactors near their facilities.
As AI’s power appetite grows, the intersection of energy infrastructure and data centers is becoming a critical area of development. Natural gas and nuclear power are leading this transformation.
