US fossil fuel buildout surges to power data centers

Fossil fuels' share of new US generating capacity rose from 5% in 2024 to 30% by Q2 2026, according to a report by the Environmental Defense Fund and Atlas Public Policy. Planned fossil capacity could reach 68 GW by 2030, while renewables are being canceled at a higher rate, 4.9% versus 2.9%.

• Fossil share of new capacity rose from 5% to 30% by Q2 2026
• Planned fossil capacity could hit 68 GW by 2030, up 45% in six months
• Renewable projects are canceled at 4.9% versus 2.9% for fossil fuels
• New combined-cycle gas costs about $90/MWh versus $68–69 for solar and wind