The increasing demand for AI data centers is driving the revival of retired coal-fired power plants, repurposing their valuable grid interconnections to rapidly deploy new, cleaner energy sources such as natural gas. This strategy aims to address anticipated 60% electricity demand growth by 2050, accelerating AI infrastructure deployment while balancing emissions reduction efforts. Companies like Xcel Energy are converting old coal plants across multiple states, blending renewable and gas resources to sustain the energy transition amid growing AI-driven usage.