US President Donald Trump has recently signed an executive order directing federal agencies to explore using coal to power energy-intensive AI data centres, calling it part of a broader effort to revive the struggling coal industry.  

The order instructs the Commerce, Energy, and Interior Departments to study where coal-powered infrastructure could support data centres and assess economic feasibility. Trump praised "beautiful clean coal resources" as a solution for powering the AI boom.  

According to reports from Reuters and The Associated Press, the move comes alongside other coal-friendly measures, including opening federal lands for mining, designating coal as a "critical mineral", and granting coal plants a two-year exemption from emissions rules for toxic chemicals like mercury and arsenic.  

The plan reflects Trump's longstanding support for coal, even as many tech companies pursue renewable energy for data centres. Critics argue the approach ignores environmental concerns, while supporters see it as a way to ensure reliable power for growing AI demands.