engine no. 1, chevron and GE vernova to power U.S. data centers

Engine No. 1 and Chevron U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, have announced a partnership to establish a new company focused on delivering scalable and reliable power solutions for U.S.-based data centers powered by domestic natural gas. With early policy actions supporting investment in American energy resources, the joint development—working alongside GE Vernova —aims to build the first multi-gigawatt co-located power plant and data center during President Trump’s second term.

The initial projects, referred to as “power foundries,” will utilize seven U.S.-manufactured GE Vernova 7HA natural gas turbines, secured through a slot reservation agreement, and will be developed on an accelerated timeline. These projects will supply power directly to co-located data centers across the U.S. Southeast, Midwest, and West, bypassing the existing transmission grid to avoid impacting electricity prices for consumers.

Designed to address the growing energy needs of AI-driven data centers, the joint initiative plans to deliver up to four gigawatts (GW) of power—enough to supply 3 to 3.5 million U.S. homes—with initial in-service expected by the end of 2027. The projects will also incorporate flexibility for integrating lower-carbon solutions such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), capable of capturing more than 90% of CO₂ emissions, as well as renewable energy sources.

"Energy is the key to America’s AI leadership. By utilizing abundant domestic natural gas to directly power data centers, we can drive productivity, enhance our economic strength, and reestablish the U.S. as an industrial powerhouse," said Chris James, founder and chief investment officer of Engine No. 1. "This collaboration with Chevron and GE Vernova addresses one of the most pressing energy challenges of our time."

Mike Wirth, chairman and CEO of Chevron Corporation, emphasized the project’s alignment with broader national priorities: "We are proud to help realize President Trump’s vision for a new American golden age, powered by our vast energy resources and unmatched workforce. His pro-energy policies and commitment to AI and energy dominance provide the confidence needed to invest in projects that create jobs and strengthen national security."

Scott Strazik, CEO of GE Vernova, added: "We are excited to support the expansion of data center capacity in the U.S. by delivering critical power solutions. As a leader in U.S. energy manufacturing, GE Vernova is well-positioned to provide the advanced energy systems necessary to drive this large-scale initiative forward."

The increasing demand for data processing, cloud computing, and AI solutions requires scalable and cost-effective energy strategies to support growth while minimizing strain on the power grid. Over time, this model is expected to enable surplus power sales to the U.S. grid through future interconnections, further supporting broader energy needs while keeping costs manageable.

Beyond supplying reliable and affordable energy, this joint initiative is anticipated to generate thousands of jobs and contribute to the reindustrialization of the U.S.