Meta has withdrawn from RE100, the renewable energy initiative it joined in 2016 with a 2020 target, as the company increasingly relies on natural gas to power its AI data centers. The move was first reported by Recharge, with Climate Group stating Meta "is no longer able to meet the technical criteria due to investments made in new gas power."

RE100, overseen by UK nonprofit Climate Group, counts more than 400 members including Microsoft, Google and Apple — all committed to sourcing 100 percent of energy from renewables. Meta told TechCrunch the departure was "mutual" and maintained its commitment to "100% clean and renewable energy."

Since last year, Meta has committed to 10 natural gas plants that will produce enough energy to power the state of South Dakota. While companies typically offset fossil fuel use by purchasing energy attribute certificates, analysts say such heavy gas investment makes a 100 percent renewable claim "harder to defend."