SunCast 860: Why Natural Gas is Surging Again (and What It Means for Solar); Justin Locke | Global Energy Monitor
Oct 2, 2025
Justin Locke, Executive Director of Global Energy Monitor and former RMI leader, discusses the surprising surge in U.S. natural gas development, driven by AI data centers. He explains how GEM tracks global energy infrastructure, highlighting the importance of open-source data in navigating the messy energy transition. Locke dives into the pivotal role of the Global South in future emissions and energy solutions, mentioning the need for local leadership. Tune in to learn how GEM is challenging traditional narratives and revealing the realities of our energy landscape.
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Unexpected U.S. Natural Gas Surge
- Global Energy Monitor found a sudden U.S. surge of 116 GW of natural gas in early 2025 driven by AI data center demand.
- This trend is currently U.S.-specific but risks spreading internationally if unchecked.
Verify Projects With Open Data And Ground Truth
- Use open public sources and local partners to verify energy-project claims and compile a single source of truth.
- Cross-reference public records with paywalled datasets and ground-truthing to improve data accuracy.
AI Data Centers Drive Power Density Needs
- AI hyperscalers are driving dense, high-power, often off-grid energy demand that favors gas for power density and speed.
- Many of these data-center-driven gas plants are hybrid or off-grid and sometimes unregulated.