(TNS) — UW-Madison faculty will launch more than a dozen projects aimed at researching the challenges and opportunities of data centers through a new $1.5 million partnership with QTS Data Centers, the company announced on Friday.
The company’s support for the Advancing Data Center Sustainability initiative comes as it proposes a $12 billion data center campus in Dane Count, north of Madison, near DeForest.
Spanning 1,600 acres, or 2.5 square miles, the data center campus would be one of the largest developments in Dane County’s history. The proposal has drawn opponents concerned about the environmental effects of the campus and the disruption it could cause in DeForest.
The $1.5 million for UW-Madison is part of a $50 million investment QTS officials pledged during the proposal process toward community initiatives in Dane County, focusing on education, workforce development and housing.
The money for the university is not dependent on the DeForest project moving forward, QTS spokesperson Stephanie Blakely said.
“The insights gained from this research initiative are essential to shaping our next generation of sustainable digital infrastructure, supporting the growing digital demands of daily life while driving lasting economic impact for Dane County and beyond,” said Madison Williams, QTS chief investment officer.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE DATA CENTER PROPOSED NORTH OF MADISON
QTS Data Centers is proposing a $12 billion data center campus on 1,600 acres near DeForest.
The UW-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies will lead the 14 new faculty research projects, which will explore grid stability, energy storage and renewable fuel integration, and sustainable landscape design.
Paul Robbins, the dean of the UW-Madison Nelson Institute, said in a release that the campus previously has collaborated with government organizations and nonprofits.
“Investment by QTS into UW research connects our researchers with practical challenges of digital infrastructure,” Robbins said.
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