Vantage CC, QTS host data center community event
QTS hosted a community event in Van Wert, Ohio, to address residents' questions and concerns about its planned $10 billion data center project. The company clarified its water consumption would use a closed-loop system and that it would fund energy infrastructure improvements. Groundbreaking is slated for later this year, with full operation expected by 2032.
QTS hosted a community information session at Vantage Career Center in Van Wert, Ohio, to discuss its planned $10 billion data center at the Mega Site. The event allowed residents to ask questions about various aspects of the project, including development, operations, utilities, sustainability, community engagement, and economic development.
QTS spokesperson Stephanie Blakely reported a good turnout with supportive community members asking "good questions." Brent Stevens, Van Wert Area Economic Development Director, expressed satisfaction with the engagement, hoping to "dispell some of the rumors" circulating about the project.
Key concerns from residents included water and energy consumption. QTS addressed water usage by explaining their closed-loop cooling system, which will require an initial fill of approximately 660,000 gallons purchased from the city and then continually circulate the same water. Regarding energy, QTS stated it would fully fund energy infrastructure improvements in partnership with American Electric Power, incurring no cost to AEP customers.
The project involves up to seven buildings on over 900 acres, requiring approximately 1,500 construction workers. Groundbreaking is anticipated later this year, with the first building operational by the first quarter of 2029 and full campus development projected by 2032.