Vantage Data seeks fewer, smaller generators

QUINCY — The Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking public comment on a request from Vantage Data Centers to reduce the number of generators at the company’s Quincy campus.

According an Ecology news release, the company is seeking to reduce the number of generators on site from 17 to 15, and change the mix from 17 three-megawatt diesel generators to seven three-megawatt generators at the existing facility and eight 2.75-megawatt generators in buildings currently planned but not yet built.

“Ecology views that change as positive (smaller engines emit less pollutants per hour) and plans to approve the application,” the statement read.

However, Ecology is seeking public comment through July 24. Comments can be submitted by fax, email, or letter.

The department approved the current 17 generator arrangement last December.

Several companies, including Vantage and Microsoft, have located data centers in Grant County to take advantage of inexpensive and reliable power. However, nearly all data centers are built with backup diesel generators in the event the power goes down.