Data center power debate: average vs marginal grid emissions factors matter
2C_ornot2C · x · 2026-10-27
A technical debate over how to compare data center power emissions: Richard Meyer argues average grid mix is the wrong benchmark — marginal (non-baseload) generation is what actually changes with new load, and EPA eGRID non-baseload data shows the on-site gas vs grid comparison is far less one-sided. Zeke Hausfather threads that marginal emissions are indeed worth examining, but notes data centers are going off-grid partly because the grid lacks available load capacity to serve them.
Related event: Data Centers: Grid Power vs. Private Gas Plants Debate(2 posts)→
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