A study said Stratos’ emissions could impact the West — but developers dispute findings
A study by EmPower Analytics Group estimates that emissions from the proposed Stratos data center in Box Elder County could cause significant health and economic impacts across the West. Stratos disputes the findings, arguing that the study relies on equipment and operating assumptions that do not reflect the project’s finalized design.
A new EmPower Analytics Group study examined potential air-quality impacts from the proposed Stratos data center in Box Elder County, Utah. Depending on whether the project uses combined-cycle turbines or more polluting reciprocating engines, the report estimates possible premature deaths, asthma cases and other health effects, with associated economic costs ranging from $25 million to $230 million at the project’s initial 3-gigawatt scale. The facility could eventually expand to 9 gigawatts, roughly twice Utah’s 2024 annual power generation.
Stratos representative Paul Palandjian rejected the study’s conclusions, saying it models equipment the company has not selected and improperly presents hypothetical outcomes as confirmed impacts. He said the project’s current design calls for turbines for primary power and reciprocating engines for backup, with emissions controls and heat capture, while renewable generation options remain under consideration. The development, overseen by the Military Installation Development Authority, has faced opposition from local residents and groups concerned about air quality, water use and its economic promises. State and federal permits, including air-quality and drinking-water approvals, will be required as the project advances.