Environment Department emails raise questions about Project Jupiter emissions
New Mexico Environment Department emails show that updated emissions modeling for the proposed fuel cell plant serving Project Jupiter produced pollutant concentration estimates roughly twice as high as earlier modeling. Environmental groups are seeking more information and have challenged the air-quality permit as the agency considers a decision deadline in November.
New Mexico Environment Department records indicate that updated modeling for the natural gas fuel cell plant planned to power the Project Jupiter hyperscale data center near Santa Teresa produced pollutant concentration estimates about twice those in the original permit materials, despite an overall emissions increase of roughly 2%. The plant, being developed by Oracle, STACK Infrastructure and Bloom Energy, is projected to generate about 2.45 gigawatts, while construction of the data center continues without a permanent power source.
The disclosures emerged during the state air-quality permitting process, which is being overseen by hearing officer James O. Browning. Environment Department staff have questioned the developers about emissions calculations, equipment configuration and whether the permit decision deadline should be extended. Environmental advocates, including the Center for Biological Diversity and New Energy Economy, say the evolving plans and newly disclosed records justify additional discovery and potentially dismissal of the application without prejudice.