João Fernando
ExxonMobil is venturing into the power generation sector with plans for a large-scale natural gas-fired power plant dedicated to supplying energy-intensive data centers. On a call with reporters, the company’s chief executive Darren Woods said they have secured the land and have ongoing conversations with potential customers. According to an article published in The New York Times, the facility is capable of producing more than 1.5 GW. It will be designed to support the growing electricity demands of artificial intelligence and tech operations. Unlike traditional natural gas plants, ExxonMobil aims to incorporate technology that captures more than 90% of the facility’s carbon dioxide emissions, marking a significant step in emissions mitigation for the sector.
As the energy demands of the tech industry surge, utility providers are exploring multiple energy solutions, including natural gas, renewable energy, and energy storage. Natural gas, known for its lower costs and ability to provide 24/7 electricity, is becoming a favored option. ExxonMobil’s move comes amidst an industry-wide effort to balance increased electricity demand with lower emissions.
The project’s unique design avoids connection to the broader power grid. This off-grid approach could accelerate permitting and construction timelines, allowing Texas-based ExxonMobil to begin operations within the next five years. Although the company has previously built gas-fired plants for internal use, this marks its first foray into external power generation for commercial clients.
Beyond power generation, ExxonMobil has been investing in innovative solutions to enhance energy efficiency and lower emissions. Earlier this year, the company announced a partnership with Intel to develop liquid cooling technologies for data centers. The collaboration aims to create energy-efficient cooling solutions to reduce emissions and optimize the performance of Intel’s x86 architecture-based systems. With a $30 billion commitment to developing alternative energy resources and cutting operational emissions, ExxonMobil is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving energy landscape.
