US Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rise Due to Cold and Data Centers
A recent analysis reveals that US greenhouse gas emissions increased for the first time in three years, primarily driven by a cold start to 2025 and rising energy demands from data centers and cryptocurrency mining. The Rhodium Group estimates a 2.4% rise in emissions last year, despite growth in solar energy.Factor contributing to the increased greenhouse gas emissions include heightened residential natural gas usage for heating and a significant surge in coal consumption.
Rise in Energy Demands and Emissions
Cold temperatures in early 2025 led to a nearly 7% increase in fossil fuel consumption for heating residences, particularly in the northern regions of the United States. Furthermore, the demand for electricity surged due to an increase in operations related to data centers and cryptocurrency mining, notably in Texas and the Ohio Valley.
Coal Usage Surge
- Coal usage in the US rose by 13% in response to increased energy demands.
- This rise marked only the second increase in coal power generation since 2007, despite a 64% decline over the past decade.
- The slowdown in coal plant retirements also contributed, as utility companies postponed closures to meet electricity demand.
Michael Gaffney, the lead author from Rhodium Group, noted that the grid adapted to the growing demand partly through renewable energy sources, but high natural gas prices led to increased coal usage.
Contrasting Global Trends
In contrast, both India and China reduced their coal consumption by 3% and 1.6%, respectively, as these countries expanded their wind and solar energy capacities. The analysis from Carbon Brief reflects a trend of declining coal reliance in much of the world, highlighting the US’s unique situation.
Impact of Natural Gas Prices
The high prices of natural gas in the US, attributed to significant exports, have made coal a more viable option again. Jesse Lee from Climate Power emphasized that rising gas costs have allowed coal, which had been declining in use, to experience a resurgence.
Solar Power Growth
Despite the rise in greenhouse gases, solar energy usage saw a remarkable growth of 34% last year, marking the fastest increase since 2017. However, transportation remains the largest source of emissions in the US, with road traffic continuing to rise.
Transportation Emissions Stabilization
While transportation emissions remained nearly constant in 2025 due to the increasing adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles, hybrid vehicle sales alone experienced a substantial 25% increase compared to 2024. This trend suggests a shifting landscape in fuel consumption.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, analysts predict that the growing demands from sectors like data centers and cryptocurrency will continue impacting emissions. Gaffney argues that this surge in demand is not a temporary spike but part of a persistent trend.
The interplay between natural gas prices, policy changes, and energy demands highlights complex challenges. While some argue that policy shifts under the Trump administration have had minimal impact on emissions, others believe the significant rise in data centers is a critical factor that cannot be ignored.
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