Energy and water use, projected jobs and revenue: Spartanburg's NorthMark data center by the numbers
The NorthMark data center in Spartanburg, SC, is under construction and facing scrutiny over its proposed expansion of natural gas power generation and significant water usage. Local residents and the Southern Environmental Law Center have raised concerns about air and noise pollution, with a public hearing scheduled for the power increase permit. The company, through Valara Holdings, is touting economic benefits like jobs and tax revenue.
The NorthMark data center, being developed by NorthMark Strategies through its subsidiary Valara Holdings, is currently under construction in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and is expected to begin operations later this year. The facility, located at the former Kohler plant site at 4000 S. Pine St., has drawn attention from residents and the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) regarding its environmental impact.
Initially permitted for 48 megawatts (MW) of natural gas power, NorthMark has since applied for permits to install natural gas turbines that would increase its generation to over 450 MW. The S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is reviewing this new permit request and will hold a public hearing, prompted by state Sen. Shane Martin. The SELC has expressed concerns about potential air pollutants, including formaldehyde and nitrous oxides, and unknown noise levels from the turbines, which they compare to jet engines. The SELC also plans to review the draft permit for these new power sources.
On the water front, NorthMark is projected to use an average of 459,000 gallons per day, with about 85 percent lost to evaporation. While this significantly exceeds the previous Kohler plant's usage, Spartanburg Water reports it represents only a small fraction (1.8-2.3%) of the water system's average daily demand and less than 1% of its total capacity. NorthMark states it will not draw directly from groundwater or aquifers.
The company has highlighted the economic benefits of the project, including significant tax revenue for Spartanburg County, projected to reach $15 million annually by 2029. It also estimates 1,445 construction jobs daily and plans for approximately 150 permanent on-site jobs, exceeding the initial agreement of 27 jobs tied to a tax incentive package approved by the Spartanburg County Council in April 2025.