QTS planning temporary power plant for Cedar Rapids data center
QTS is planning to bring a temporary power plant online to support testing operations at its Cedar Rapids data center campus. The plant, consisting of modular generator units, requires permits from the city of Cedar Rapids and the Federal Aviation Administration. It is expected to operate for less than six months during the commissioning phase before permanent utility power is available.
QTS has confirmed plans to bring a temporary power plant online to facilitate testing operations at its data center campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The plant, comprised of "modular, self-contained generator units," has already been installed on QTS-owned property near the Eastern Iowa Airport.
Airport Director Marty Lenss discussed the proposal at a recent Cedar Rapids Airport Commission meeting, noting that any construction near the airport necessitates review under City of Cedar Rapids Municipal Code Chapter 39. The airport is requiring QTS to submit information regarding potential impacts on airspace, including air turbulence and visible plumes. A QTS spokesperson stated that temporary on-site power generation is standard for commissioning large-scale infrastructure projects like data centers, and these systems are designed for short-term use, expected to operate for under six months.
QTS is currently working through final permitting details with the city and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) clarified that it is not involved in this specific proposal unless the electric generating facility is capable of operating at or above 25 MW. The QTS campus, located in the Big Cedar Industrial Center, will eventually house seven data center buildings and represents a minimum anticipated investment of $1.75 billion, making it a significant industrial project for Iowa.