NorthMark Strategies Seeks Major Power Capacity Increase at Spartanburg Data Center

NorthMark Strategies has submitted a request to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services to increase its data center's energy capacity to over 450 megawatts, up from the previously permitted 48 megawatts. The application includes plans for additional natural gas combustion turbines, raising alarms regarding potential air pollution increases, as noted by the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC).

The SELC has expressed concerns over pollutants associated with gas-fired plants, including particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. Current permits allow for 24 natural gas generators. The Department of Environmental Services is reviewing the application for compliance with regulations before public comment. This proposed expansion follows a tax incentive provided by Spartanburg County to NorthMark in April 2025, which facilitated the establishment of the data center.