As demand for AI-driven data hubs grows, so does the need for a reliable and scalable energy supply.
Electricity demand is experiencing 10 times faster growth per year this decade than what we’ve seen in previous decades. Partner that with projections that U.S. data center power demand will more than double by 2030, and this surge necessitates a dependable energy source.
That source is natural gas.
And with its expansive network of pipelines and ability to provide behind-the-meter power generation, Williams is uniquely positioned to meet this need and drive the future of energy infrastructure.
Why Natural Gas?
Natural gas is readily available and easily dispatchable. It’s affordable, abundant and a reliable partner with renewable energy.
Consider this:
- Natural gas is already the largest source of electric power generation in the United States and has been directly responsible for reducing 500 MM tons of CO2 in the power sector from 2005 to 2022 because of the switch from coal to gas-fired power plants.
- Natural gas capacity is a quickly dispatchable partner and backstop to renewables during periods of unavailability and peak demand. In fact, natural gas power generation performs 2.5x higher compared to solar, based on EIA data.
- Natural gas has 45 percent less carbon dioxide emissions than coal.
Why Williams?
Williams is ideally positioned to serve evolving data center needs with a unique integrated solution.
Our ability to combine our gas marketing, gathering, transportation and power generation verticals into one solution allows us to react very quickly to new power loads, providing the speed-to-market that data centers need.
Here’s how:
- Williams’ pipeline and gathering system transports one-third of the country’s natural gas. Our pipeline routes include a significant amount of co-located fiber networks which makes us well suited to serve the needs of data centers.
- We hold significant land positions along our routes that can host co-location of power production equipment and data centers in a single location.
- Williams owns Sequent Energy Management, whose gas trading operations enable Williams to provide an end-to-end solution from gas supply to power generation.
- Our New Energy Ventures unit offers multiple net-zero solutions, including the addition of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, delivery of certified low-carbon NextGen Gas, emissions offsets, and in some locations, carbon capture and storage.
It’s clear that natural gas – and Williams – is well-equipped to support the growth of data centers in the U.S., particularly in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. These states, with their favorable policies towards natural gas, are reaping the benefits of economic growth and energy security.
Williams is addressing the energy challenges of the digital age. We are leveraging our energy acumen, physical assets, marketing strength and decarbonization capabilities to directly serve the significant wave of data center growth.