Meta has withdrawn from the RE100 global clean energy initiative, ending more than a decade of membership as the company ramps up its investment in natural gas-powered data centers to support the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. The move marks a significant shift in the tech giant’s energy strategy amid soaring demand for AI computing power.
The Facebook and Instagram parent company said its expanding AI infrastructure requires a level of electricity that renewable energy alone cannot reliably provide in the near term. As a result, Meta has backed the construction of multiple natural gas power plants to supply its hyperscale data centers across the United States. Reports indicate the company has financed at least 11 gas-fired power plants, including several tied to its massive Louisiana AI campus.
Meta maintains that it still supports long-term carbon reduction goals and will continue purchasing renewable energy and environmental certificates. However, leaving RE100 has drawn criticism from environmental groups, who argue the decision undermines global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels.
The move highlights the growing challenge facing the technology industry as companies race to build increasingly powerful AI models. Training and running advanced AI systems requires enormous amounts of electricity, forcing firms to seek reliable, around-the-clock power sources while renewable energy projects struggle to keep pace with demand.
Meta is not alone in facing this dilemma. Other major technology companies, including Google and Microsoft, have also explored greater use of natural gas and other energy sources to power expanding AI infrastructure. Analysts say the AI boom is reshaping energy markets, with utilities and governments under increasing pressure to meet the electricity needs of hyperscale data centers without significantly increasing emissions.
The decision is expected to intensify debate over whether the rapid expansion of AI can be balanced with climate commitments, as demand for computing power continues to grow worldwide.
