Newport Twp. data center developer responds to residents’ concerns
Fit Energy is planning a 15-building data center campus on nearly 1,400 acres in Newport Township after receiving initial zoning permits in August. Residents have strongly opposed the project, while the developer says it will hold an information session, pursue a community benefits agreement and use FuelCell Energy fuel cells for on-site power.
Fit Energy, backed by Montreal-based private equity firm Fit Ventures, plans to develop a campus of 15 data centers and three natural gas generation facilities on nearly 1,400 acres between Newport Township’s Glen Lyon and Lee sections. The company received initial zoning permits in August and says the site, identified as 75 Main Road, consists of previously mined and quarried industrial land.
The project has drawn significant opposition from Newport Township residents, with hundreds attending a commissioners meeting and more than 1,200 people joining a local Facebook group opposing data centers. Fit Energy CEO Joel Leonoff said the company will provide a public information session and work with the township on a community benefits agreement. The project’s on-site power would use fuel cells supplied by FuelCell Energy, which Fit Energy says would reduce reliance on the regional grid.