Why Meta’s data centre push is clashing with its clean energy goals
Meta has withdrawn from RE100, the global corporate renewable electricity initiative led by the Climate Group, as its investments in new natural gas generation no longer meet the initiative’s technical criteria.
The company behind Facebook and Instagram joined RE100 in 2016. The initiative has 444 members, including Apple, Google and Microsoft, and encourages companies to source 100% of their electricity from renewable sources.
The Climate Group told Recharge News that Meta withdrew following discussions between the two organisations because investments in new gas power meant it could no longer satisfy RE100’s requirements. Meta is no longer listed among the initiative’s members.
The exit comes as Meta expands its data centre infrastructure and enters arrangements involving new gas-fired generation. These include plans for 10 natural gas power plants to support its Hyperion data centre in Louisiana.
Meta, however, said the withdrawal does not change its clean energy target. A company spokesperson told AFP that Meta will continue expanding renewable energy investments and remains committed to matching 100% of its electricity consumption with clean energy. The company says it has achieved this on an annual basis since 2020, supported by long-term power purchase agreements with renewable energy providers.
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