Why Data Centers and Carbon Capture Is a Risky Combo for Climate and Water

A new report from Food & Water Watch argues that pairing data centers with carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a dangerous alliance. The group says CCS has a long record of failures, often increases emissions, and most captured CO2 in the US is used for enhanced oil recovery. It also highlights that data centers already strain water supplies, and adding CCS could increase power plant water use by up to 55%. The article points to recent deals, like Google partnering with Exxon on CCS and Oracle funding capture research for a massive data center project in New Mexico. Critics argue these moves are greenwashing that let Big Tech and Big Oil expand fossil fuel use while shifting costs and risks to local communities. The piece ends by calling for an end to CCS subsidies and stronger local control over data center and pipeline projects.