The Real Story: Backup diesel generators at AWS Data Center Campuses in New Carlisle

NEW CARLISLE, Ind. -- An X post about the types of power sources utilized by a Michiana data center is garnering local attention.

The post claims Amazon is proposing an extra 414 backup diesel generators at the data center complex in New Carlisle, for a total of 909 backup generators.

This article from The Hill outlines concerns over the diesel-powered backup generators among environmental advocates due to emissions and what they may contain.

I reached out to Amazon to ask how both data center campuses are powered and how often the diesel-powered backup generators will be used.

They say the two data center campuses in New Carlisle are powered through the regional electrical grid. The backup generators are for emergencies only, running on average, about ten hours per year. Mostly for tests and maintenance.

Amazon says testing has to meet noise and permit requirements.

An Amazon spokesperson said in part, “Our emergency generators are there to make sure that, in the rare event of a utility outage or grid emergency, the critical services we all rely on every day continue uninterrupted."

Amazon says submitted permit applications for 911 generators across the two campuses in New Carlisle and the emergency generators were added to support more buildings on the New Carlisle campus.

So, the number in this X post was close, but Amazon says these aren't meant to be used-- they're only for emergencies.

The company also says it has Tier 4-compliant emissions control systems on all the critical emergency backup generators across all its data center campuses in Indiana, the cleanest standard for diesel engine technology.

An Amazon spokesperson also addressed a recent violation of air permits from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, stemming from the installation of generators at that location. Documents from IDEM’s Office of Air Quality show they will not take legal action.

An Amazon spokesperson sent the following statement:

"Amazon installed two generators that were not covered under our existing permit due to an administrative error. We worked closely with idem to resolve the issue and have taken corrective actions, including updating our internal processes accordingly."

In conclusion, Amazon does have hundreds of backup diesel generators for the New Carlisle data center campuses. But they say they won't be used often.

If there's a topic, you're seeing conflicting messages about online, or something you may want clarification on, email [email protected].