Meta is backing 10 gas plants to power data centers – and just quit a global renewables pledge

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has withdrawn from RE100, a global corporate initiative that commits members to using 100% renewable electricity. This decision aligns with Meta's recent strategy to increase its reliance on natural gas for powering its data centers. The company has committed to the construction of 10 natural gas plants, marking a significant shift in its energy sourcing approach. The withdrawal from the renewable energy initiative highlights a notable change in Meta's energy policy. Previously, the company participated in efforts aimed at promoting clean energy solutions. However, the recent focus on natural gas indicates a pivot towards more traditional energy sources, which raises questions about the implications for its sustainability commitments. Over the past year, Meta has made substantial investments in natural gas, further emphasizing this shift. Meta's decision to exit the renewable energy group coincides with its accelerated buildout of natural gas infrastructure. This development reflects a significant change in the company's energy strategy, prioritizing natural gas over renewable energy initiatives. The reliance on natural gas may provide immediate energy needs for its expanding AI data centers but contrasts with the growing emphasis on renewable energy sources within the tech industry. Overall, Meta's actions suggest a reorientation of its energy policy, which may influence perceptions of its commitment to sustainability and its role in the broader energy landscape. The company's increased focus on natural gas represents a departure from its previous commitments to clean energy initiatives.