Amazon.com Inc. Backs Massive Texas Gas Plant for AI Power

Amazon.com Inc. confirmed on Friday that it is providing financial backing for GW Ranch, a massive private gas power plant in Pecos County, Texas. Developed by Pacifico Energy, the facility would utilize 35 turbines to generate 7.65 gigawatts, which would potentially make it the largest operating gas plant in the United States.

The plant could emit over 30 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gases annually, potentially becoming the single largest source of such emissions in the country. Amazon.com Inc. stated that generating its own power prevents the company from passing infrastructure costs onto consumers and noted its intention to eventually transition to grid-connected service.

To mitigate the environmental impact, the company is exploring the use of non-potable, brackish groundwater alongside on-site solar and battery storage. This strategy follows a broader industry trend of behind-the-meter power deployment adopted by other technology firms, including Meta, Microsoft, Oracle, and xAI, to accelerate the rollout of artificial intelligence.