Alliant Energy was honored to help host U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright during his recent visit to the Big Cedar Industrial Center and QTS data center site in Cedar Rapids.
The Secretary, along with Alliant Energy President and CEO Lisa Barton, and many local and public officials, toured the QTS campus construction.
In her remarks following the tour, Lisa Barton reflected on Alliant Energy’s partnership with QTS to secure the largest economic development investment in Iowa’s history.
“When growth is managed the right way, everyone benefits, and it accelerates the opportunities for growth,” she said. “As industries electrify and innovation accelerates, utilities have a responsibility to lead with long-term thinking and to work hand in hand with our policy makers to make that happen.”
Economic Impact Facts about QTS Cedar Rapids Data Center Campus:
- With its seven data center buildings, the Cedar Rapids data center campus is currently the largest in QTS’ U.S. portfolio.
- Currently, there are an estimated 8,500 workers on the site, daily.
- Construction using 28,000 tons of domestically sourced steel, along with other U.S.-made materials.
- Each of the seven data center buildings will begin operations with an amount of cooling water equivalent to an Olympic-sized swimming pool. They will employ a closed-loop cooling system, so ongoing water consumption will be minimal.
- Since breaking ground last May, more than 8.5 million work hours have been expended.
- Construction is expected to be completed within 16 months.
Facts provided by QTS.
Read more about Sec. Wright’s visit:
- Corridor Business Journal: QTS data center project will put Cedar Rapids on ‘cutting edge,’ leaders say after site tour
- Iowa Capital Dispatch: US Energy secretary, visiting Iowa, says data centers will drive energy production • Iowa Capital Dispatch
- Watch a short video recap of the event on QTS' LinkedIn