Amidst an unprecedented surge in demand for sustainable power from the booming AI sector, tech giant Meta has joined hands with Sage Geosystems to power its data centres with geothermal energy
Meta has unveiled a significant partnership with Sage Geosystems to deploy geothermal energy across its data centres, with the initial phase slated for 2027. This new venture will generate 150 megawatts (MW) of clean power, contributing to Meta's broader commitment of 12,000 MW in renewable energy. The exact location for the geothermal system remains to be finalised.
The project will utilise Sage's innovative Geopressured Geothermal System (GGS), which harnesses energy from hot, dry rocks, rather than traditional geothermal methods that rely on underground reservoirs. Meta views this resource as abundantly available across the US.
Geothermal energy currently represents a tiny fraction—0.4 percent—of total US power generation, according to Reuters. Meta’s investment aims to spark a wider adoption of this technology. The move positions Meta alongside other tech giants like Google, which has also ventured into geothermal energy with projects in Nevada.
The surge in demand for data centre power, driven by the rise of generative AI, has intensified the focus on renewable energy. Despite heavy investments in renewables, tech companies face scrutiny over their carbon footprints. Google and Microsoft have reported increases in emissions, raising concerns about the effectiveness of renewable energy credits and carbon offsets.
Meta’s geothermal initiative will contribute to the broader energy grid rather than directly powering its data centres. This approach mirrors that of other tech giants, who invest in renewable sources to offset their operational energy use. While some renewable sources, like solar, are used directly by data centres, larger investments often serve to enhance the overall green energy mix.
Recent analyses by Bloomberg Green suggest that while companies claim to be emissions-free, the reality may be more complex. Unbundled renewable energy certificates, which many firms use, are critiqued for masking true emissions impacts. Meta, however, is noted for a higher percentage of its energy from genuine renewables compared to some competitors.
Meta’s geothermal investment underscores its commitment to pioneering sustainable energy solutions amid the escalating demands of modern technology and environmental accountability.