In recent months, US President Donald Trump has been actively promoting the use of coal as an energy source for data centers, which are necessary for the operation of artificial intelligence (AI). In order to maintain energy independence and stimulate the coal industry, he issued a decree asking ministers to assess how coal-fired infrastructure can meet the energy needs of such large technology companies.
In addition, in January, Trump announced at the World Economic Forum that, in case of an emergency, he would allow the construction of new coal-fired power plants that could supply energy to AI data centers. He even suggested encouraging tech giants to use coal as a secondary energy source.
Why coal?
Many may wonder why Trump is focusing on coal, given that many technology companies have already abandoned fossil fuels in favor of greener and more sustainable energy sources. The reason is simple: coal-fired power plants traditionally provide stable and cheap energy supplies, which are necessary for energy-intensive processes related to AI data processing.
But coal, as an energy source, has its dark side. According to the Energy Information Administration, coal produces more carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour of electricity than other sources. This makes coal less attractive to companies focused on achieving carbon reduction and sustainable development goals.
What do the experts say?
Despite the growing popularity of renewable energy sources, the coal industry in the United States is still hoping for a recovery. For example, Peabody Energy CEO James Grech argues that coal-fired power plants can handle energy needs, including the needs of AI data centers. He emphasizes that these power plants are currently far from operating at full capacity, and many of them can be upgraded to increase energy production.
Nevertheless, even in the coal industry itself there is a division. Some experts, such as Kevin Miller, Amazon's vice president of data centers, say that in the short term, the company may have to rely on more environmentally friendly energy sources such as natural gas. Gas, by the way, produces two times less carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour of energy compared to coal.
International initiatives and data center in Abu Dhabi
Trump is also actively developing international cooperation in the field of AI and data centers. One of the largest projects is the construction of a data center in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the United Arab Emirates. The capacity of this center will be about 5 GW, and it will serve not only the Middle East, but also a significant part of the world. This center will become a key platform for American technology companies in the region.
However, not everyone shares Trump's enthusiasm for such international cooperation. For example, the leader of the Democrats in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, expressed concern that supporting deals that allow the transfer of advanced American technologies to the Persian Gulf countries could lead to the leakage of secret technologies.
Conclusion: what is behind Trump's plans?
Thus, Trump is trying to find a compromise between the interests of the coal industry and the needs of high-tech companies. He intends to use coal to provide energy for the development of artificial intelligence, which, in turn, can help the coal industry regain its position in the US economy.
However, the question remains: can coal, despite its environmental harm, be a viable energy source for AI data centers in the future? How will this affect sustainable development and environmental standards in the technology sector?
