On April 8, 2025, President Donald Trump announced plans to revitalize the U.S. coal industry by promoting its use in powering artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and signed an executive order to boost US coal. This initiative includes executive orders aimed at extending the operation of aging coal-fired power plants and expediting the approval process for new facilities. The administration justifies these actions by citing the escalating energy demands from AI technologies and data centers. 

Feasibility of Implementing Coal-Powered AI Data Centers

Integrating coal as a primary energy source for AI data centers faces several challenges:

Economic Viability: The coal industry has been in decline due to competition from cheaper and cleaner energy sources like natural gas and renewables. Reviving coal plants may require substantial subsidies and policy support to be economically feasible.  Infrastructure and Technology: Modern data centers are designed to operate efficiently with stable and sustainable power sources. Transitioning to coal would necessitate significant infrastructure modifications and could pose reliability issues, given the intermittent nature of coal supply and potential maintenance challenges. Regulatory and Environmental Hurdles: Reactivating or constructing coal-fired plants would likely face opposition due to environmental concerns and existing regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Overcoming these barriers could lead to legal battles and public resistance.

Environmental Impact of Coal-Powered Data Centers

Utilizing coal to power AI data centers would have notable environmental implications:

Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Coal combustion is a significant source of carbon dioxide (CO₂), contributing to climate change. Powering data centers with coal would elevate the carbon footprint of the tech industry, counteracting efforts to mitigate global warming. Air Quality Deterioration: Burning coal releases pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter, leading to smog formation and respiratory health issues in surrounding communities. Water Resource Strain: Coal plants require substantial water for cooling purposes. Data centers already have significant water demands, and coupling them with coal plants could exacerbate water scarcity issues, especially in arid regions.  Toxic Waste Generation: Coal combustion produces ash containing heavy metals like mercury and arsenic, posing disposal challenges and potential contamination risks to soil and water resources. 

Industry and Environmental Responses

The proposal has elicited varied reactions:

Tech Industry Skepticism: Major AI companies have been investing in renewable energy to power their data centers, aligning with sustainability goals and public expectations. A shift back to coal may not align with their long-term strategies or corporate social responsibility commitments. Environmental Advocacy Opposition: Environmental groups have criticized the move, highlighting the potential rollback of progress made in reducing emissions and promoting clean energy. They argue that this approach undermines efforts to combat climate change and protect public health. 

While the administration’s initiative aims to bolster the coal industry by linking it to the burgeoning AI sector, practical and environmental challenges make this approach contentious. The feasibility of powering AI data centers with coal is questionable, given economic trends favoring cleaner energy sources and the significant environmental ramifications. Stakeholders must weigh the short-term economic objectives against long-term sustainability and public health considerations.