QTS data center project will put Cedar Rapids on ‘cutting edge,’ leaders say after site tour

The massive QTS data center campus currently under construction in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is projected to bring up to $50 billion in economic growth to the region, according to local and national leaders. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright toured the 612-acre site, accompanied by QTS co-founder Tag Greason, Blackstone Infrastructure Strategies CEO Greg Blank, Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell, U.S. Reps Ashley Hinson and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Alliant Energy CEO Lisa Barton. Secretary Wright highlighted the QTS project as a key example of the Trump administration's policy to "reindustrialize America" and position the United States as a leader in the emerging artificial intelligence industry. He described the minimum $1.75 billion investment as the largest industrial project in Iowa's history and praised QTS, Alliant Energy, and Blackstone for their commitment to domestic industrial and technological development, specifically noting the use of domestically-sourced steel for the construction. QTS co-founder Tag Greason addressed concerns about the data center's impact, stating that the project is designed to be a net positive for the community without burdening taxpayers or ratepayers. He emphasized the use of a closed-loop cooling system for the seven data centers, which will significantly minimize ongoing water consumption compared to traditional evaporative cooling methods, aligning with Cedar Rapids' Climate Action Plan. Alliant Energy CEO Lisa Barton also affirmed the company's commitment to a five-year rate freeze for Iowa service customers, ensuring that the new 1.05 gigawatt electricity demand from QTS will not increase costs for other consumers, as QTS will cover the necessary infrastructure costs.