New Jersey fines DataOne $1.07M over unpermitted gas generators

In short: New Jersey says the DataOne data center in Vineland installed and ran 62 natural gas generators without required air permits, and the state issued a $1.07 million penalty.

What happened

New Jersey environmental officials said the DataOne facility in Cumberland County installed and operated 62 natural gas powered generators without the state approvals required for air pollution rules. The agency said it observed the equipment during a July 29 inspection.

The state described the units as “stationary reciprocating engines,” which are generator engines that stay in one place and run like a large truck engine that turns a power unit. Each generator was rated at 1,982 kilowatts, and together they add up to about 122.9 megawatts of capacity. Officials also said each generator is about the size of a tractor trailer.

Under New Jersey rules, generators at 37 kilowatts or more must have a preconstruction permit and an operating certificate. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection said DataOne violated the state Air Pollution Control Act by installing and operating the generators without those approvals. The agency ordered DataOne to apply for and obtain the permits or stop operating the generators.

WHYY reported that DataOne said the gas generators were a temporary measure until Bloom Energy fuel cells are operating. Fuel cells are another way to make electricity on site, often compared to a battery that keeps producing power as long as it has fuel.

Why it matters

Data centers are large buildings that run computers for online services, and they need reliable electricity. When backup or on site generators run without permits, regulators say it can mean less oversight of air pollution near where people live.

Source: NYTimes