QTS data center project in Wisconsin is shaping up as the company announced its plans for the project’s development. Furthermore, they plan a $50 million community commitment for the Dane County which will include direct investments. The investments will be made in DeForest and Vienna, less than 20 miles north of Madison. Company officials noted the project will create jobs, increase the use of renewable energy and support growth across the country. The firm will submit its zoning application to the DeForest Village Board in November, company officials noted.
If approved, the project would be a landmark investment for Wisconsin. Furthermore, it will create more than 5,000 construction jobs and hundreds of full-time positions with support from local building trade unions. Officials said the company will work with local stakeholders in Vienna, DeForest and Dane County and establish $50 million in community commitments. The commitments will support education, workforce development and housing initiatives across the county. The company will also fund scholarships and workforce partnerships with Madison Area Technical College. It will also develop research partnerships with the University of Wisconsin. Wisconsin is hosting data centers such as Meta’s data center project in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
Project Factsheet
Significance:
• A landmark $12 billion data center development planned by QTS Data Centers in DeForest, Wisconsin.
• Also includes a $50 million community commitment to support education, housing, and workforce development in Dane County.
• Expected to create over 5,000 construction jobs and hundreds of permanent positions.
• Aims to enhance renewable energy use and strengthen Wisconsin’s growing digital infrastructure hub.
Infrastructure:
• To be located in DeForest and Vienna, about 20 miles north of Madison.
• Will also integrate advanced renewable energy solutions through a proposed partnership with Alliant Energy.
• Plans include the use of renewable energy credits from approximately 750 MW of clean energy sources.
Developer/Consortium:
• Developed by QTS Data Centers, co-led by Tag Greason and David Robey.
• Collaboration with Alliant Energy, Madison Area Technical College, and the University of Wisconsin for workforce and research programs.
• Supported by local building trade unions and community stakeholders in Dane County.
Funding/Timeline:
• Total investment: $12 billion.
• Community investments: $50 million directed toward education, workforce partnerships, and affordable housing.
• Zoning application: To be submitted to the DeForest Village Board in November 2025.
• Construction expected to commence following approval, positioning Wisconsin as a major national data center hub.
The Scope of Implementation on QTS Data Center Project in Wisconsin
The QTS data center project is one that is expected to shape Wisconsin as the region becomes a major data center hub. Officials noted there was a proposed agreement between QTS and Alliant Energy to enable renewable resources. The proposed agreement also covered lowering the cost for Alliant Energy‘s planned renewable facilities. The agreement will be facilitated by the sale of renewable energy credits from around 750 megawatts of renewable energy sources. “For more than two decades, we’ve built lasting partnerships with the communities where we live, work and raise our families,” said Tag Greason and David Robey, co-CEOs of QTS, in a joint statement.
“Together, we’ll continue to listen, support and grow with the people of Wisconsin as trusted neighbors in a shared future. As digital infrastructure becomes essential to every industry, and a pillar of our national security, we are excited about the opportunity to be a part of the Dane County community.” Community members have shown their excitement, noting the proposed data center is a significant and long-term investment that will contribute to DeForest’s growth. They are also hopeful that the project will result in years of work that will allow workers to earn sizable wages, health and retirement benefits.
