Fired Power Development as AI and Data Centers Drive Demand
A new report shows the United States now leads the world in gas-fired power capacity under development, reflecting a nationwide surge in demand for electricity driven largely by data centers and artificial intelligence (AI).
As Oklahoma regulators consider a growing number of utility requests for new natural gas-powered electric generation, the trend mirrors what is happening across the country.
According to Global Energy Monitor (GEM), gas power projects in the announced, pre-construction, and construction phases in the U.S. now surpass those of China and account for nearly one-quarter of the world’s total gas-fired capacity in development. More than one-third of this capacity is expected to directly power on-site data centers, with additional on-grid projects planned to support rising AI-related energy demand.
U.S. Gas Power Capacity in Development Nearly Triples
New data from the Global Oil and Gas Plant Tracker shows the U.S. nearly tripled its gas-fired power capacity in development in 2025, reaching almost 252 gigawatts (GW). If all proposed plants are built, the country’s existing gas fleet would expand by nearly 50%, with estimated capital costs exceeding $416 billion.
Globally, gas-fired power capacity in development increased 31% in 2025, adding 249 GW and bringing the total to 1,047 GW. Projects scheduled to come online by 2030 are expected to accelerate in the latter half of the decade.
2026 Could Set a Record for New Gas Power Projects
GEM projects that 2026 could be a record year for new gas-fired power plant operations. If all planned capacity enters service, new additions would exceed the previous high of 100 GW added in 2002, during the peak of the U.S. shale boom.
China Leads in New Installations, Ranks Second in Development
While the U.S. dominates total gas capacity in development, China installed a record 22.4 GW of gas power in 2025, accounting for more than one-third of the world’s newly commissioned capacity last year. China also narrowly leads in capacity currently under construction, with 30.9 GW, compared to the U.S.
Texas Emerges as the Epicenter of U.S. Gas Power Expansion
Texas alone accounts for nearly one-third of the U.S. gas-fired power buildout, with 80.6 GW in development — more than the next seven states combined and nearly four times higher than last year. Only China has more gas power capacity in development than Texas.
Nearly 40 GW of Texas projects are planned to directly power data centers, highlighting the state’s role in meeting the soaring energy demands of the technology sector.
Turbine Supply Constraints Could Slow Expansion
Despite rising costs, long grid interconnection queues, and equipment shortages, gas power proposals have surged over the past year. GE Vernova, Siemens, and Mitsubishi dominate the market, collectively supplying more than 75% of projects with a named turbine manufacturer.
However, global gas power expansion faces a major bottleneck: turbine manufacturing capacity. Backlogs now extend through 2030, and GEM reports that two-thirds of gas power projects in development do not yet have a named manufacturer, potentially limiting how quickly these plants can be built.