Data centers’ looming methane surge

Methane leaks could double gas-powered data centers' true climate impact, but mitigation costs under 1% of build budgets.

• Double the CO2 impact: Olya Irzak says behind-the-meter gas data centers' true warming impact is roughly 2x CO2-only estimates once upstream/onsite methane leaks are counted, reaching 724 megatons CO2e over 20 years versus 380 megatons in the 100-year frame.
• Four leak points: Methane escapes at wellheads/gathering pipes (avg 4% of Permian production, best operators ~0.2%), at sprawling facility piping/welds, and via reciprocating-engine 'slip' (3% at full load, up to 12% at partial load).

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