Off Grid Data Center Power Plants Exempt From Clean Air Program
Federal officials clarify that private, unconnected power facilities supporting tech sites fall outside Acid Rain Program rules.
Federal environmental regulators have issued new guidance determining that independent power facilities operated off the public grid are exempt from Clean Air Act Acid Rain Program requirements.
The determination paves the way for companies to build dedicated, “islanded” power systems specifically designed to fuel energy-hungry data centers. By developing off-grid energy sources, technology operators can expand capacity without drawing power from regional utility networks.
According to the agency, Acid Rain Program provisions apply only to generation units that sell electricity or maintain mandatory reporting requirements with the Department of Energy. Because off-grid facilities do neither, regulatory officials concluded the program does not cover them.
Agency guidance cautions that any off-grid power site that connects to the public electric system in the future will immediately become subject to Clean Air Act oversight.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is Assistant Editor of EPOnline.com.
