Google is advancing a controversial clean energy initiative by backing a new gas-fired power plant in Illinois called the Broadwing Energy Center, which will use carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to reduce emissions. The project, set to begin operations in 2030, will generate 400 megawatts of power and is designed to capture up to 90% of the carbon dioxide produced, storing it a mile underground. Google has agreed to purchase most of the plant’s output, marking a significant step in its effort to power its expanding data centers—driven by AI growth—while meeting sustainability goals. The move has sparked debate. While CCS is promoted as a way to mitigate climate change by preventing CO2 from entering the atmosphere, its real-world effectiveness remains questionable. The U.S. Department of Energy has invested hundreds of millions in CCS projects with mixed results—only one of six coal plant projects funded by the DOE ever came online, and many failed due to economic challenges. In Australia, electricity from gas plants with CCS costs 1.5 to 2 times more than power from solar, wind, or conventional gas plants. The Broadwing plant differs from past projects in two key ways: it burns natural gas, which emits less CO2 than coal, and it stores captured CO2 underground rather than selling it for enhanced oil recovery—a practice that has kept some CCS projects financially viable but environmentally dubious. Still, gas plants release methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO2 over the short term. Methane leaks from extraction and transport remain a major concern, and CCS does nothing to address those emissions. Environmental advocates worry that such projects delay the shift to truly renewable sources like solar and wind. With data centers consuming more electricity than ever, rising utility costs are already a growing issue in the U.S. Meanwhile, political shifts under the Trump administration have weakened support for renewables. Fossil fuel executives now lead key agencies, renewable funding is being rolled back, and offshore wind projects have been halted. In contrast, carbon capture continues to receive targeted financial incentives. Google’s investment reflects a broader industry trend: companies are seeking ways to meet massive energy demands from AI while managing public and regulatory pressure to reduce emissions. But critics argue that relying on CCS-equipped gas plants may lock in fossil fuel dependence, undermining long-term climate goals. While Google emphasizes innovation and scaling promising technologies, the environmental trade-offs remain significant.