DEFOREST, Wis. (WKOW) — Alliant Energy says it will continue working with QTS as the company shifts its focus away from a proposed data center development in DeForest and explores alternative sites across Wisconsin and Iowa.
The Village of DeForest announced late Tuesday that village staff have determined QTS’s data center proposal is not feasible and have recommended rejecting the annexation petition at the Feb. 3 Village Board meeting. Village officials expect QTS to formally withdraw its comprehensive plan amendment and zoning applications following that decision.
In response, QTS confirmed it will not move forward with the project in DeForest, citing months of engagement with residents and local leaders and concluding that “now is not the right time” for the development. The company acknowledged partnerships formed during the process, including with Alliant Energy, and emphasized its intention to pursue projects in other communities served by the utility company.
Alliant Energy presented information on its electric grid, including capacity and reliability, during earlier discussions of the proposed project.
“Alliant Energy continues to focus on moving at the speed of the customers and communities we proudly serve. QTS’s decision to move their project from DeForest comes after months of community conversations and the understanding that it simply is not the right time for DeForest to move forward with this project. QTS’s decision underscores the competitive nature of economic development, where communities and states may need to move quickly to be prepared for the economic growth potential data centers represent. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with QTS as they explore alternative sites in both Iowa and Wisconsin,” said a representative from Alliant Energy.
Despite the setback, both QTS and Alliant have stated they are exploring alternative locations in Iowa and Wisconsin.
