U. of C. scientists call for halt to Quantum Shore construction, citing contamination and energy concerns
A group of University of Chicago-affiliated scientists, Science for the People Chicago, released a report calling for a halt to the 440-acre Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (Quantum Shore) in South Chicago. They cite concerns about the former U.S. Steel site's toxic contamination, the project's massive energy demands, and the technological feasibility of PsiQuantum's plans. This new opposition builds on existing community concerns about environmental impact, utility costs, and local benefits.
A group of scientists and researchers, Science for the People Chicago, many affiliated with the University of Chicago, has joined community opposition against the proposed Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), also known as Quantum Shore. The 440-acre quantum computing campus is planned for the former U.S. Steel South Works plant in South Chicago. The group released a report outlining their technical criticisms of the $9 billion development, arguing that their findings warrant its cancellation due to significant negative impacts.
The report primarily focuses on the extensive contamination at the former industrial site, asserting that increased flooding risks could draw toxic inorganic concentrations into Lake Michigan and that mitigation efforts are insufficient. These environmental concerns echo those raised by local community organizations like Southside Together, Environment Transportation, Health and Open Space and the Alliance of the Southeast since the project's announcement by Gov. J.B. Pritzker two years ago. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency had conditionally approved developer Related Midwest's remediation plan last December, requiring further testing.
Science for the People also challenged the project's energy demands, citing ComEd estimates that IQMP could require 350 megawatts and a separate Related Digital data center within the broader development could demand up to one gigawatt. Physicist Will Helgren suggested these demands could increase ratepayers' utility bills by $158 annually. Additionally, the group questioned the technological viability and timeline of anchor tenant PsiQuantum's plans to build the first-ever error-correcting quantum computer, describing its current progress as venture capital 'hype' rather than functional technology. PsiQuantum stated its commitment to being a responsible neighbor.
While seeking to stop the quantum campus, Science for the People supports redevelopment of the site for community amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, parks, or housing, following less invasive bioremediation. Related Midwest, the developer, did not respond to comments regarding the report's claims but has previously emphasized the project's economic benefits, including jobs, a new hospital, and expanded lakefront access.