AI Data Center Operates 45 Gas Generators Without Environmental Permits
An investigation documented that the DataOne facility in Vineland, New Jersey, was operating gas generators without permits from the state environmental authority.
A Floodlight investigation, in partnership with The Guardian, published by Latitude Media on August 28, documented that the DataOne data center in Vineland, New Jersey, was operating at least 45 of its 62 gas generators without permits from the state environmental authority.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) confirmed it has not issued permits for those generators. DataOne is the first data center in New Jersey seeking to build its own generation plant, a strategy known as "bring your own energy." The facility, about 40 miles from Philadelphia, will provide artificial intelligence (AI) computing capacity to Microsoft, as part of a $17 billion agreement with the Dutch firm Nebius. According to Global Energy Monitor, gas capacity under development in the United States grew 50% in the first half of the year, from 252 to 378 gigawatts (GW), driven by data centers; Texas accounts for 122 GW, of which 77 GW will power data centers. Nearly 60 data centers plan to build their own gas plants, according to analytics firm Cleanview.
The generators lack permits despite being located just over a mile from two schools. Former EPA enforcement attorney Bruce Buckheit argued that DataOne's activities violate federal law. DataOne withdrew its air permit application in May for more than 30 Bergen-type engines and plans to rely on Bloom fuel cells with a capacity of 300 megawatts (MW). A Bloom executive testified before the planning board that the cells, if completed, have the potential to emit more than 2 billion pounds of carbon dioxide per year. The facility continues to operate the unpermitted generators, whose first startups date to October 2025. Engine capacity under development for data centers tripled in six months, to 45 GW, according to Global Energy Monitor.
The NJDEP detected the generators during a July 29 inspection and has yet to issue a compliance determination. Vineland issued two stop-work orders this month, one for moving fuel cells without a permit. The outcome will signal how authorities handle the expansion of gas generation for data centers.
This article was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence from verified sources and reviewed by a human editor before publication.
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This article was drafted with AI assistance from verified sources and reviewed by a human editor before publication.