Google says it needs more emergency generators at its Fort Wayne data center
Google is seeking approval from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to add 228 emergency diesel generators to its Fort Wayne data center, significantly increasing its backup power capacity beyond the initial 34 and existing 174 generators. This marks the third air permit modification for the facility, raising environmental concerns about particulate matter emissions. Additionally, Google recently received permission from IDEM to fill in four acres of wetlands at the site, requiring mitigation through wetland credit purchases and other ecological restoration efforts.
Google is seeking a significant expansion of its backup power capabilities at its Fort Wayne, Indiana data center, asking the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to approve 228 additional emergency diesel generators. This request comes after the facility already increased its generator count from an initial 34 to 174, marking the third air permit modification for the project.
According to a Google spokesperson, these new generators are intended strictly for emergency operations during power outages and for legally mandated maintenance checks. Public records indicate the existing generators are permitted to release up to 224 tons of particulate matter annually, with recent inspections showing a release of approximately 200 pounds over the past year. Google states its commitment to cleaner fuels and renewable alternatives.
Separately, IDEM recently granted Google permission to fill an additional four acres of wetlands on the data center property. To mitigate this environmental impact, Google is required to purchase wetland credits from the Openings Wetland Mitigation Bank and the Indiana Stream and Wetland Mitigation Program. Other mitigation measures include replanting vegetation and using mulch in erosion-prone areas. Furthermore, Google must avoid clearing trees in the area between April 1 and September 30 to protect the habitat of the federally-protected Indiana bat.