QTS Supports West Virginia Framework for Data Center Development

As data center investment expands into new markets, developers and communities are facing increased requirements for planning around electricity, water, infrastructure and project costs. QTS has expressed support for West Virginia's efforts to establish a framework governing responsible data center development.

Highlights

• QTS supports West Virginia's efforts to establish guidelines for data center development.
• The framework addresses infrastructure planning, community engagement, environmental considerations and ratepayer protection.
• QTS says project-related infrastructure costs should be appropriately funded without shifting expenses to ratepayers.
• The company cites closed-loop cooling systems that do not consume water once operational.
• QTS also identifies workforce development, local investment and transparency as development priorities.

Data Center Planning Priorities

West Virginia's proposed approach addresses several infrastructure and community considerations associated with new digital infrastructure projects.

QTS said responsible development should involve early coordination among developers, utilities, regulators and local stakeholders. Infrastructure requirements, including energy and other supporting systems, can therefore be considered during the planning process rather than after development decisions are made.

The company also supports arrangements in which infrastructure investments associated with individual projects are funded appropriately rather than transferred to utility ratepayers.

Water, Workforce and Community Considerations

Water use is another issue identified in QTS's development approach. The company said its data centers use closed-loop cooling systems that do not consume water once facilities are operational.

QTS also cited job creation and workforce development as components of its community approach. The company said it works with local stakeholders on investment and partnerships intended to align projects with community priorities.

Transparency and accountability are also identified as priorities during the development process.

Infrastructure Requirements for Digital Growth

Data center construction requires coordination among owners, utilities, regulators and local governments because projects can create substantial infrastructure requirements.

West Virginia's framework highlights energy, water, infrastructure and community considerations as digital infrastructure investment grows. For contractors and developers, those requirements can affect early planning, utility coordination, site development and project delivery.

Why It Matters

For data center owners and construction stakeholders, the West Virginia approach underscores the importance of addressing infrastructure and community requirements during project planning.

Clear expectations around utility needs, project funding, water use and workforce development can provide owners, contractors and local stakeholders with a framework for evaluating large-scale digital infrastructure projects before construction advances.

Source: QTS.