Trump Pushes Coal Revival to Power AI Growth Despite Industry Decline

New executive orders aim to sustain coal for rising data center energy demands, but experts question its feasibility and sustainability.

President Trump has signed executive orders to revive the coal industry, designating it as critical to meet growing energy needs from AI and data centers.
Coal-fired power plants now generate only 15% of U.S. electricity, down from 50% in 2011, reflecting a decades-long decline driven by cheaper energy alternatives.
Energy analysts project that even extending the life of coal plants would contribute only a small fraction of the power needed for AI-driven data centers by 2040.
The new orders include deregulation measures allowing the Department of Energy to keep unprofitable coal plants operational, potentially increasing costs for consumers.
Experts argue that renewable energy and natural gas remain more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable options to meet future electricity demands.