Google's Nebraska Data Center Metrics Exposed via Poor Redactions
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Leaked figures from annual reports reveal millions of gallons of water usage and tens of millions in expected tax refunds for Google-owned sites.
Google attempted to shield the resource consumption of its Nebraska data centers from public view by claiming the data constituted trade secrets. However, as 10/11 first reported, improper redactions in reports submitted to the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) allowed the hidden figures to be uncovered by copying and pasting redacted text boxes.
According to 10/11, the Agate LLC facility in Lincoln reported peak electrical demand of 52.65 megawatts and 13.299 megagallons (13 million gallons) of water usage for the previous year. The most significant water consumer among the reported sites is the Fireball Group LLC facility in Papillion, which reported 547.88 megagallons for its 2025 annual water consumption. Combined, six reporting data centers used 765 million gallons of water last year.
The redacted documents also detailed expected 2025 tax refunds under the Nebraska Advantage Act. Agate LLC expects a refund of $55,822,472, while Fireball LLC expects $39,171,573.39. A third Google-owned site, Westwood Solutions LLC in Omaha, expects a refund of $22,558,881.
These disclosures follow a July 20 executive order from Governor Jim Pillen requiring data centers to self-report their impact on local infrastructure, power grids, and water resources. While Google cited various state statutes and NAC TITLE 115, CH. 2 to justify the redactions, 10/11 has since filed public record requests with the DWEE and Agate LLC to obtain the official unredacted information.