Microsoft may reconsider its ambitious 2030 goal to match 100% of hourly electricity use with renewables as it scales energy-intensive AI data centers. The company is debating whether to delay or abandon the target, though no final decision has been made. A spokesperson said annual renewable matching remains a focus, but the stricter hourly goal is under review. Rising AI energy demands have made natural gas more attractive, highlighting tension between rapid data center expansion and pre-AI cli

Microsoft may reconsider its ambitious 2030 goal to match 100% of hourly electricity use with renewables as it scales energy-intensive AI data centers. The company is debating whether to delay or abandon the target, though no final decision has been made. A spokesperson said annual renewable matching remains a focus, but the stricter hourly goal is under review. Rising AI energy demands have made natural gas more attractive, highlighting tension between rapid data center expansion and pre-AI climate commitments. Big Tech’s clean-energy pledges now face feasibility challenges.