Village of DeForest approached about new data center – WMTV 15 NEWS

Report on Proposed Data Center Development in DeForest, Wisconsin

Executive Summary

QTS Data Centers has initiated preliminary discussions with the Village of DeForest regarding the potential development of a new data center facility. The proposal involves the prospective annexation of land, a process that has not yet formally commenced. This report outlines the current status of the proposal and analyzes its potential impacts through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will be critical for a comprehensive community and state-level review.

Project Status and Governance

As of the current date, the proposal remains in an exploratory phase. The following points summarize the project’s status:

• Initial Approach: QTS Data Centers has approached the Village of DeForest administration to discuss the possibility of annexing land for the project.
• Formal Review Pending: The Village has not received or reviewed any formal petition for annexation or any application for land use approvals.
• Regulatory Oversight: Should a petition be filed, it will be subject to a multi-stakeholder review process involving the Village of DeForest and the Wisconsin Department of Administration, in accordance with state statutes.
• Related Agreements: QTS has separately approached the Town of Vienna regarding a Cooperation Agreement. The Village of DeForest is not a party to this agreement or its negotiations, highlighting the need for coordinated governance to achieve sustainable outcomes, in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Implications

The development of a data center presents significant opportunities and challenges that directly relate to several SDGs. A thorough evaluation must consider the following:

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   The project represents a major investment in digital infrastructure. The review process should assess whether the facility will be built using sustainable, resilient, and innovative practices that contribute positively to the region’s technological capacity.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   The annexation and use of land are central to this goal. The impact on local land use planning, community resources, and public services must be carefully evaluated to ensure the development contributes to making the community inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy & SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   Data centers are intensive consumers of energy and water. The proposal must be scrutinized for its alignment with clean energy transition goals. Key considerations include:
   • The proposed energy source and commitment to procuring renewable energy.
   • Energy efficiency measures to minimize the facility’s carbon footprint.
   • Water consumption for cooling systems and its impact on local water resources (related to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation).
   • Plans for responsible management of electronic waste and other production outputs.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   While the project may promise economic growth and job creation, its contribution to this goal depends on the quality of employment. The review should analyze the potential for creating sustained, inclusive, and decent work for the local community, avoiding precarious employment and ensuring long-term economic benefits.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • The article discusses the construction of a new data center, which is a key component of modern technological infrastructure. This directly relates to SDG 9’s goal of building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The proposal involves annexing land and requires land use approvals. The article explicitly states that the project’s “impact on the community” will be reviewed, which aligns with SDG 11’s focus on sustainable urban planning and human settlement management.

3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • The article highlights the formal review process involving the Village of DeForest and the Wisconsin Department of Administration. This process, which must be “in accordance with state statues,” demonstrates the functioning of effective and accountable institutions at local and state levels, a core aspect of SDG 16.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • The interaction between QTS Data Centers, a private company, and the Village of DeForest, a public entity, regarding the development project is an example of a public-private partnership, which is central to achieving the goals as outlined in SDG 17.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure

   • The plan to build a new data center is a direct effort to develop technological infrastructure. While the article does not detail its quality or sustainability, the project itself falls under this target.

2. Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management

   • The village’s review of the annexation petition and land use application, specifically considering the “impact on the community,” is a direct application of this target. It represents a formal process for managing human settlement and land use changes.

3. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels

   • The article’s mention that any petition will be “reviewed in accordance with state statues” by both village and state officials points to the operation of accountable and legally-bound institutions, which is the focus of this target.

4. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships

   • The approach by QTS Data Centers to the Village of DeForest represents the initiation of a potential public-private partnership for infrastructure development, aligning with the goal of this target.

Indicators Mentioned or Implied

1. Investment in new infrastructure (Implied)

   • The proposal to build a new data center represents a significant private sector investment in technological infrastructure. While no monetary value is given, the project itself serves as an indicator of infrastructure development. This relates to SDG 9.

2. Existence of a formal review process for land use (Implied)

   • The article describes a clear process for reviewing annexation and land use applications, involving local and state government and considering community impact. The existence of this structured planning and management process is an indicator of progress towards Target 11.3.

3. Adherence to legal frameworks in public administration (Implied)

   • The statement that the review will be conducted “in accordance with state statues” implies an indicator related to the rule of law and the accountability of public institutions. This measures the effectiveness of institutions as per SDG 16.

4. Formation of public-private partnerships (Implied)

   • The negotiation and potential agreement between QTS Data Centers and the Village of DeForest would be a tangible indicator of a public-private partnership for development, as encouraged by SDG 17.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wmtv15news.com