ExxonMobil, Chevron Pioneer Behind-the-Meter Power Solutions for Data Centers

As artificial intelligence and industrial electrification drive unprecedented electricity demand, the world’s leading oil and gas companies are stepping in to reshape power generation. A significant flashback to early 2025 reveals how ExxonMobil and Chevron began positioning themselves as key players in providing behind-the-meter power solutions—leveraging natural gas and exploring carbon capture technologies—to fuel the data center boom.

In a pivotal discussion on the Oil & Gas Journal ReEnterprised podcast, Managing Editor Mikaila Adams highlighted these energy giants’ plans to meet growing power demands while maintaining a commitment to decarbonization. Their approach centers on delivering reliable, on-site electricity solutions that bypass traditional grid reliance, offering both cost efficiency and sustainability advantages.

The Strategy Unfolds

ExxonMobil and Chevron’s move into this space wasn’t just about business expansion—it was a response to a rapidly changing energy landscape. The rise of AI-driven computing, blockchain processing, and cloud-based services intensified the need for stable, high-capacity power sources. Rather than waiting for utilities to meet the surge, these companies identified an opportunity: harnessing their extensive natural gas resources to provide localized, uninterrupted power to data centers.

Chevron, in particular, took bold steps by utilizing U.S. natural gas, exploring ways to integrate carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. ExxonMobil, already a leader in energy solutions, sought to refine these behind-the-meter systems to further reduce carbon emissions while ensuring power security.

A Shift in the Energy Landscape

The initiative marked a significant shift—oil and gas companies traditionally associated with large-scale fuel supply were now playing a direct role in infrastructure solutions for the digital economy. This approach resonated with broader industry movements, as seen in Energy Transfer’s deal to provide natural gas to a proposed Texas data center.

With increasing pressures to cut emissions and enhance energy efficiency, ExxonMobil and Chevron’s strategies signaled a transformative moment in the sector. Their efforts underscored a new era where oil and gas leaders are not just fuel suppliers but also technology-driven energy providers adapting to the next-generation economy.

As the global energy transition continues, this flashback serves as a critical reflection on how these companies laid the groundwork for a sustainable yet energy-intensive digital future.