IDEM hosts public hearing on proposed diesel generator expansion at Fort Wayne Google data center

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) held a public hearing on Thursday.

At 6 p.m., community members were invited to the auditorium of Ivy Tech’s Coliseum Campus, where the agency collected feedback on Google’s request to expand its use of emergency diesel generators at its Fort Wayne data center.

The request was filed with the IDEM through its subsidiary Hatchworks LLC, and builds off of the tech giant’s previous approval for 34 main diesel generators in 2024.

In 2025, another 140 main diesel generators were built, as well as five smaller generators classified as “insignificant” by state law.

In total, the 179 diesel generators could generate up to 527.52 megawatts if operated.

BACKGROUND: Public hearing set for Google’s diesel generator plan for Fort Wayne data center

Along with the generators, Google plans to operate 179 diesel fuel tanks, each holding 6,000 gallons for a total of more than 1 million gallons of diesel storage capacity. The project also includes 64 cooling towers.

IDEM did not respond to questions or comments during the public hearing, as it will only be collecting feedback.

IDEM requests feedback be made to Omar EI-Rjoob by calling (317) 232-4971 or emailing oelrjoob@idem.lN.gov.

The public comment period ends November 17. IDEM will then make its decision on whether to approve the request.

Watch the full public hearing below:

Part 1

Part 2

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