UW–Madison and QTS Announce Research Partnership to Advance Responsible Data Center Development

QTS to support $1.5 million in research projects driving innovation in sustainable digital infrastructure.

MADISON, Wis. – November 14, 2025 – QTS Data Centers (“QTS”) is partnering with University of Wisconsin–Madison, an R1 research university, to commit $1.5 million toward a research initiative titled Advancing Data Center Sustainability. The new initiative leverages the university’s deep expertise to advance sustainable digital infrastructure through research and innovation.

“Investment by QTS into UW research connects our researchers with practical challenges of digital infrastructure,” said Paul Robbins, Dean of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at UW–Madison. “The Nelson Institute has long worked with government organizations, non-profits, and community groups. We are excited to partner with leading industries to help create more sustainable outcomes.”

“QTS is thrilled to start this collaboration with UW–Madison as we believe in the power of innovation that stems from industry and academia partnerships,” said Madison Williams, Chief Investment Officer of QTS. “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.”

Under the Advancing Data Center Sustainability initiative and in partnership with the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and faculty across UW–Madison, QTS will support research projects focused on advancing responsible data center development. These initiatives explore critical areas including grid stability, advanced battery storage, renewable fuel integration, sustainable landscape design and the environmental and health impacts of expanding digital infrastructure.

Key research projects include:

• Energy Supply, Efficiency and Resilience – Developing innovative energy systems to enhance grid stability, improve efficiency and reduce emissions, including hydrogen-enabled virtual power plants and supercritical carbon dioxide energy storage.
• Sustainable Landscapes and Agriculture – Advancing sustainable siting and land use, including brownfield mapping, water quality improvements, soil carbon storage and agrivoltaic systems, to ensure data centers benefit communities while mitigating environmental impacts.
• Biodiversity and Ecology – Supporting ecosystems and wildlife habitats through initiatives such as AI-enabled monitoring of pollinators, migratory birds and fish habitat suitability.
• Tribal and Community Engagement – Promoting meaningful engagement with local communities and Tribal leaders through interviews, public surveys and collaborative research, ensuring stakeholder perspectives inform responsible data center development.

QTS will work with the Nelson Institute to establish and pursue the identified research activities, including scope, timeline and anticipated outcomes.