Texas data centers threaten decades of air quality gains
new research shows data centers in texas could drive up pollution to 2000s levels, erasing air quality progress.
researchers at the houston advanced research center modeled different outcomes for data center energy demand in texas. if data centers rely on the grid mix, fine particle pollution could more than triple, reaching its highest level since 2006. smog-forming nox emissions would increase 136 percent, approaching pollution levels from 2004. however, nox emissions could be up to 10 times lower if data centers pair grid power with onsite renewable electricity.