TMJ4 gets rare look inside a Vantage data center

TMJ4 News was granted an exclusive tour inside a Vantage data center by Dana Adams, Vantage's North America President. This rare glimpse comes amidst increasing debate and opposition surrounding the company's proposed hyperscale AI facility in Port Washington, Wisconsin. The tour aimed to demystify data center operations and highlight their infrastructure.

During the visit, reporters observed rows of computers, extensive fiber optic cabling, and learned about the facility's noise and thermal management. Ryan Keogh, Vantage's VP of operations, explained the cooling mechanisms, including systems to isolate hot air and reduce energy consumption. The facility also features power systems with batteries and diesel generators for outages, and chillers for its much-discussed water cooling system.

Vantage clarified that its cooling system uses a closed-loop chiller, requiring a one-time fill of approximately 300,000 gallons of water, similar to a swimming pool, after which the water is recycled internally. While groups have expressed caution about increased water usage and high energy demands from data centers, Adams acknowledged the opposition but emphasized the need for constructive conversations about the benefits and the critical infrastructure provided.

Vantage projects that the Port Washington facility will create 1,000 jobs, including engineers, electrical operators, and IT network specialists, in addition to roles for customer employees. This facility is expected to be significantly larger than one in Virginia and underscores Vantage's commitment to community integration and employment opportunities.