Growing industries threaten Georgia’s climate goals amid rising energy demand
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(Georgia News Connection) A new report warned climate goals in Georgia and nationwide are threatened by the rapid growth of industries like data centers and electric vehicles.
Clean energy advocates said utilities are extending coal plant operations and planning new natural gas facilities to meet rising energy demands.
Laurie Williams, director of the Beyond Coal Campaign for the Sierra Club and the report's co-author, noted while companies set ambitious climate goals, utilities remain reliant on fossil fuels.
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"As just one example, in late 2023, Georgia Power reported a 20 percent jump in expected electric demand, largely due to new data center interconnections," Williams pointed out.
She added Georgia Power later filed an emergency resource plan, citing rapid load growth as the reason for extending a coal plant's life span and adding new natural gas capacity. Williams stressed while clean energy can take center stage, it requires action from customers, regulators and advocates alike.
The report outlined 12 recommendations for tackling energy demands while reducing emissions and keeping costs sustainable.
Jeremy Fisher, principal adviser on Climate and Energy for the Sierra Club and co-author of the report, said one of them pointed to the importance of collaboration.
"A little bit can go a long way," Fisher emphasized. "We recommend that utilities and large customers work together to maximize demand response management capabilities."
The report's recommendations also included comprehensive utility decarbonization plans and 24/7 clean energy sourcing and transitioning backup generators to batteries. There is also a strong call for advocates and large companies to push for stronger clean energy standards at the state and federal levels.
