Study projects health impacts from proposed Stratos data center; Kevin O'Leary's team disputes findings
A study by EmPower Analytics estimates that emissions from the proposed Stratos data center campus in Box Elder County could contribute to as many as 45 premature deaths annually and generate up to $690 million in health-related costs. Stratos representatives disputed the findings, saying the analysis relies on equipment and power-generation assumptions that have not been selected for the project.
EmPower Analytics released an analysis of the proposed Stratos data center campus in Box Elder County, Utah, estimating that potential methane-powered generation could cause between five and 45 premature deaths annually, along with increased asthma, hospital admissions and heart attacks. The study projected health-related costs of up to $690 million per year and said pollution could affect communities across northern Utah and neighboring states.
EmPower CEO Dr. Michael Cork said the report modeled plausible gas-generation scenarios because Stratos has not publicly finalized its equipment or power plan. Dr. Logan Mitchell of Utah Clean Energy, which partnered with the Natural Resources Defense Council, said cleaner alternatives such as solar, batteries and geothermal power are available. Stratos spokesperson Paul Palandjian rejected the study's conclusions, saying the analysis models equipment the project has not selected and does not reflect its current plan to use turbines for primary power, with engines for backup and bridging. The company said it will comply with state and federal air-quality requirements and conduct public emissions modeling once the equipment is determined.