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QTS temporary power plant near Cedar Rapids airport triggers compatibility study

Modular generators planned for data center campus sit two miles from The Eastern Iowa Airport, prompting review before permits are issued.

By Devin MarshPublished Jul 27, 2026, 3:28 AM CT1 min read
AI-generated editorial scene: A wide-angle view shows a flat, expansive construction site in eastern Iowa under bright, midday sunlight. Several rows of large, industrial-grade metal generator units sit on a gravel pad near the edge of a vast, open field. In the far distance, the faint outline of an airport control tower rises above the horizon line.
AI-generated editorial photo · CR Pulse Graphics Desk

A temporary power plant planned for the QTS data center campus near The Eastern Iowa Airport has triggered a compatibility study, city and airport officials confirmed this week.

The plant would consist of modular, self-contained generator units placed on QTS-owned property in the Big Cedar Industrial Center, roughly two miles from the airport's runways. Marty Lenss, director of The Eastern Iowa Airport, discussed the plans at a recent airport commission meeting. A study assessing whether the generators would interfere with airport operations is underway.

City engineer Ken DeKeyser said QTS has submitted plans to the city but has not yet received a permit. The Iowa Utilities Commission said it was unaware of the project and would only require a certificate if the facility can operate at or above 25 megawatts. The plant's capacity has not been disclosed.

QTS confirmed the temporary plant would support testing operations during construction and commissioning of its seven-building campus on 612 acres near 76th Avenue and Tissel Hollow Road. The generators are expected to run for less than six months. Co-CEO Tag Greason said in April that the overall campus project is on track for completion in 16 months.

The campus, announced in partnership with the city, is expected to support more than 2,000 construction and permanent jobs. It will be the largest facility in QTS's portfolio.

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Sources

  1. 1.QTS planning temporary power plant for Cedar Rapids data center — Corridor Business Journal
  2. 2.temporary Archives - Corridor Business Journal — Corridor Business Journal
  3. 3.QTS looking to build temporary power plant to support test operations at campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa - report — Data Center Dynamics
  4. 4.QTS to build temporary power plant near Eastern Iowa Airport — The Gazette (Cedar Rapids)
  5. 5.QTS Announces New, World-Class Data Center Campus in Cedar Rapids — QTS Data Centers (official press release)

This story was researched and drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor before publication. Read our Editorial Standards & AI Disclosure. Spot an error? Request a correction.

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