Meta quits renewable energy initiative RE100 as it leans more on natural gas
Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, has left RE100, a global initiative pushing companies to use renewable energy. The company is increasingly relying on natural gas to power its AI data centers.
Meta has withdrawn from RE100, a major renewable energy initiative it joined in 2016 with a goal of sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2020. The initiative, overseen by UK nonprofit Climate Group, counts over 400 members including Microsoft, Google, and Apple.
Meta's departure, first reported by Recharge, comes as the company pours massive investments into AI infrastructure. Climate Group told the publication that Meta is "no longer able to meet the technical criteria due to investments made in new gas power." Meta, meanwhile, said it remains committed to "100% clean and renewable energy" and that leaving RE100 was a "mutual" decision.
Since last year, Meta has committed to funding ten natural gas power plants, which will generate enough electricity to power the entire state of South Dakota. While companies like Meta typically offset fossil fuel use by purchasing energy attribute certificates, analysts note that such heavy investment in natural gas makes it increasingly difficult to defend a 100% renewable claim.
