Frequently Asked Questions
The information below reflects where the project stands today. As planning progresses and more details are confirmed, these responses will be updated to provide additional clarity.
- Big Sky Digital Infrastructure Project Overview
Big Sky Digital Infrastructure is Quantica Infrastructure's flagship 5,100-acre integrated energy and digital infrastructure campus located in Yellowstone County, approximately 30 miles north of Billings and 3.5 miles outside of Broadview, Montana.
The project combines:
- • On-site renewable energy, firming power, and energy storage to keep power reliable,
- • Network connections to major markets, like building a high-speed internet highway, and
- • A campus designed to support high-tech companies.
Montana combines abundant energy potential, a supportive business environment, and a skilled workforce to power the next generation of digital infrastructure while growing local jobs, expanding the tax base, and improving connectivity for communities across the state.
- • Abundant energy resource potential, with the ability to invest in and construct new power generation
- • Business-friendly environment with guardrails that promote responsible development
- • An opportunity to close the digital divide and improve connectivity across the state
- • Access to a highly skilled workforce with a strong work ethic
The location of the site offers:
- • Proximity to existing power infrastructure, like substations and transmission lines,
- • Easy access to highways and rail for moving equipment and materials, and
- • Strong connectivity linking the West Coast, Salt Lake City, and the Midwest.
Quantica leases land from private landowners in Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Golden Valley counties. The company is evaluating renewable energy and firming power, such as natural gas, for portions of that land. Specific plans have not been finalized, and we will share additional information as project evaluations progress.
Big Sky Digital Infrastructure is responsible for the development of the Big Sky Campus, a 5,100 acre development in Yellowstone County. Quantica is responsible for site selection and then building the power and connectivity to the campus.
- Electricity & Grid Impacts
As part of Quantica’s Paying Our Own Way approach, Quantica will fund the generation and infrastructure required to serve the Campus, ensuring the project’s power needs are met without shifting costs.
The planned energy supply includes a mix of renewable generation and on‑demand capacity located near the site, which helps minimize the need for additional transmission infrastructure.
Like other businesses operating in Montana, Quantica will rely on NorthWestern Energy for transmission service at the Big Sky Digital Infrastructure Campus.
No. Quantica and its potential customers will pay the cost of electricity infrastructure and any new power generation needed to serve their projects.
- • Those investments also deliver broader system benefits, including improved reliability and upgrades to aging infrastructure such as substations that otherwise could fall to other ratepayers.
- • By spreading fixed system costs across more usage, large projects can also help put downward pressure on rates over time.
Ratepayer Protection Pledge: Top technology companies signed a pledge to “build, bring, or buy” all the power their new data centers need and pay the full cost of associated grid and infrastructure upgrades so that households are not hit with higher electricity rates due to increased energy demand.
Additional Consumer Protections: NorthWestern Energy (NWE) and regulators are implementing safeguards to protect existing customers:
Large New Load Tariff Rule: In March 2026, NWE filed with the Public Service Commission its proposed Large New Load Tariff Rule that requires data centers and other large-load customers to:
- • Not shift costs to residential or small business ratepayers,
- • Pay their full costs of associated transmission, generation, and distribution,
- • Upfront investment to cover costs for building the infrastructure, and
- • Pay exit fees if they leave before infrastructure costs are recovered.
Continuing Regulatory Oversight: Rates must be approved by the Montana Public Service Commission
Under the Large New Load Tariff Rule framework, data center customers will pay for:
- • Infrastructure upgrades required to deliver power to the site
- • Distribution system improvements
- • Ongoing maintenance costs
This approach is consistent with how Quantica’s potential customers operate: They pay for the electricity, grid interconnection, and associated infrastructure needed for their projects. In many cases, those investments also strengthen the broader grid through increasing resiliency and upgrading aging equipment.
Big Sky Digital Infrastructure's design enhances grid reliability for the state:
- • On-site infrastructure and storage help keep the power steady and reduce strain during high-demand times.
- • Using a mix of power sources adds reliability.
- • NWE’s ratepayers won’t be impacted by the project; NWE has committed to protecting other customers, including residential and small business customers, through the Large New Load Tariff Rule.
Energy storage can help stabilize the grid during high-demand periods.
Project partners also recognize that large-load investment can create system-wide benefits beyond the project itself, including substation and infrastructure upgrades that improve resilience during weather events and other periods of system stress.
An interconnect filing formally requests the connection of a private energy generating system (such as solar panels, wind turbines, or batteries) to a utility's electrical grid. The utility reviews the filing to guarantee grid safety and to ensure system compatibility.
Quantica filed interconnection applications with NorthWestern Energy to expand power generation for its 1,100 megawatt (MW) Big Sky Campus in Yellowstone County. The expanded power is designed to support potential long-term demand at the Campus while supporting regional grid reliability.
As part of Big Sky Digital Infrastructure’s ‘Paying Our Own Way’ approach to power, we will fund the generation and infrastructure needed to serve the campus, ensuring that the project’s power needs are met without shifting costs to Montana ratepayers.
There are two primary reasons for the 7,235 MW request. First, Quantica is in the planning stages for power to serve the Campus. Projects like Big Sky Digital Infrastructure require significant planning and coordination with the utility to determine a power supply that can be developed responsibly and cost-effectively. Different mixes of energy resources all have to be studied at the same time.
Ultimately, there is significant time between the filing and expected operation of the first building on the Big Sky Campus in Yellowstone County. And when an interconnection filing is reviewed and approved, a party can always generate less power than what was applied and approved for, but a party can't generate more than applied and approved for.
Second, while the total generation in the interconnection filing is 7,235 MW of maximum generation capacity, maximum generation capacity will never be reached since renewable energy sources (like wind and solar) are intermittent. Because the sun isn't always shining and the wind isn't always blowing, solar and wind power generation cannot meet their maximum generation capacity, only a small fraction of it.
Electrical generation is measured by “nameplate MW,” which is the maximum amount of generation possible. This is not the same as its actual generation expected to be produced.
For example, let’s say you own a home and use solar panels. The maximum generation for a solar panel on a home may be 400 watts, but that solar panel likely produces only 15% to 25% of its maximum rated power on average, depending on the weather, angle, and sun availability.
Using that example on a larger scale, 100 MW solar plant may only generate 25 MW of electricity. A 100 MW wind plant may only generate 35 MW of electricity.
As a responsible developer and with a leadership team with deep Montana roots, we want to ensure we comply with all applicable regulations, and we want to be good stewards of our land and resources.
Our project heavily features renewable energy resources. Ultimately, though, the sun isn't always shining and the wind isn't always blowing, so solar and wind power generation can only meet a fraction of their maximum generation capacity.
And the project will require a certain level of reliable, consistent baseload power. We are exploring natural gas as an option for an energy resource.
We’re in early discussions with Montana regulators to better understand the process and requirements associated with not only power resources, but also water and other resources.
Specifically, we’re evaluating the requirements with the on-demand power solutions, including natural gas. It’s not unusual for projects like these that additional power resources are still being evaluated and refined at this stage.
And whatever mix of energy resources we use, we’re paying our own way for power. We’ll fund the generation and infrastructure needed to serve the campus, ensuring that the project’s power needs are met without putting the costs on Montana ratepayers.
- Network & Connectivity
Yes. Quantica plans to develop new conduit network that will connect the Big Sky Campus to major connectivity hubs. Our approach is intended to enhance connectivity and support future growth in Montana and beyond.
- Water Resources
Not all data centers use the same amount of water. Water consumption depends largely on the cooling technology used. The industry is increasingly moving away from traditional evaporative cooling systems and toward air-cooled and closed-loop cooling technologies that can dramatically reduce or even eliminate routine water use for cooling.
Context matters when discussing water. Montana Tech Professor explained that a modern 250 MW data center using advanced cooling technologies could use approximately 40,000 gallons per day, roughly comparable to a 200-room hotel – the facility based in this assumption was not using a closed loop cooling system. Many golf courses use substantially more water during peak summer months, with some averaging ~300,000 gallons per day.
A modern closed-loop cooling system works much like the radiator in your car. Instead of continuously using and replacing water, fluid circulates through a sealed system, absorbs heat, releases that heat through cooling equipment, and then returns to repeat the process.
Car Radiator:
Data Center Closed Loop System:
In a data center that uses a closed loop system, fluid is reused again and again, so water consumption can be dramatically lower than traditional cooling systems.
Montana Tech Professor, Bob Morris, shared more on data center water use in the Montana Chamber’s Data Center Webinar series:
To set the record straight – the “millions of gallons per day” figure you may have heard is outdated and incorrect. It reflects older, evaporative cooling approaches that will not be used at the Big Sky Campus.
While final customer requirements and facility design are still being evaluated, current planning estimates minimal to no water will be used for the planned closed-loop cooling system. Closed-loop systems are initially charged during commissioning and do not require routine water, resulting in minimal water use.
Water use will be phased throughout construction and will decline dramatically once the Campus becomes operational, with an estimated 20,000 gallons per day for domestic use.
BSDI’s deep well will draw from the Madison Group Aquifer with an estimated maximum water consumption of 150,000 gallons per day for domestic use and construction needs during peak construction. Because water wells typically do not operate 24 hours a day, BSDI will need a well that can flow at a higher volume that delivers 150,000 gallons a day, if the well operates for less than 24 hours.
BSDI is evaluating longer-term options to make potable water available to neighboring farmers, ranchers, and surrounding communities.
No, the project will not interfere with community or agricultural water needs. BSDI is drawing water from the deep Madison Aquifer to not compete for water with local farmers and ranchers who utilize the Eagle Aquifer. The Madison Formation occurs approximately 4,000-6,500 feet below ground surface.
Because the two aquifers are not hydraulically connected, water withdrawals from the Madison are not expected to affect wells drawing from the Eagle Aquifer. By sourcing water from this deeper, underutilized aquifer, BSDI is taking a proactive approach to avoiding impacts on existing local water users.
BSDI is evaluating longer-term options to make potable water available to neighboring farmers, ranchers, and surrounding communities.
All water usage and water quality will be in accordance with the rules set by DNRC and DEQ to ensure the project does not interfere with community or agricultural water needs.
You can find more details on water regulations in the DEQ’s Data Center FAQ.
- Community Impacts
BBER’s analysis indicates that property taxes from a 500 MW data center could provide significant new funding for local schools and public services.
Property tax revenue generated by the project will benefit:
- • Local schools and education
- • County roads and libraries
- • Transportation and other public infrastructure
- • Other essential county and community services
These new revenues can help strengthen local classrooms, transportation, and public facilities, while also contributing to property tax relief for other property owners in the county.
Construction will generate temporary truck traffic. We are working on:
- • Designated construction routes to minimize impacts on local roads,
- • Traffic management plans to reduce congestion during peak hours, and
- • Communication with neighbors about construction schedules.
Project partners also recognize that any roadway upgrades needed for construction create a lasting infrastructure benefit for the region when planned in coordination with Yellowstone County and the City of Broadview. Transportation planning will be coordinated to reduce disruption and support community needs.
We will be coordinating with:
- • Yellowstone County Emergency Services,
- • Local fire departments and EMS, and
- • Law enforcement.
Big Sky Digital Infrastructure will:
- • Provide on-site fire suppression systems,
- • Employ on-site security and safety staff, and
- • Coordinate emergency response plans with local agencies.
The tax revenue generated from projects like these supports public health services, public safety, and emergency services.
Data centers are also built with strong fire suppression and safety systems, so they can handle most issues on-site without needing outside emergency response.
No. Modern data centers are generally among the quietest industrial neighbors. The noise level, standing right in front of a modern data center, is approximately 60-70 decibels (dBA). This noise level is generally equivalent to a conversation at a restaurant or a residential washing machine.
Our target customers design facilities with substantial setbacks, buffers, and low-noise equipment.
The Big Sky Digital Infrastructure Campus has sufficient land to accommodate setbacks and buffering to further reduce noise.
Older buildings, particularly bitcoin mines, generate substantially more noise and are not our intended customers.
- Economic & Job Opportunities
An independent analysis by the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) looked at the potential economic impacts of a 500 MW AI data center.
Key findings include:
- • A roughly 20 billion dollar capital investment for a 500 MW AI data center, not including power generation. About 10% (around 2 billion dollars) would be spent in Montana on local labor, materials, and services.
- • During peak construction, total Montana employment (direct, indirect, and induced) could reach about 2,000 jobs, with direct on‑site construction peaking near 500 jobs.
- • In the long term, a 500 MW data center and power resources could support around 600 ongoing total Montana jobs once construction is complete.
- • The project could also help reduce the property tax burden on other property owners in the county by expanding the local tax base.
Quantica has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Southeast Montana Building and Construction Trades Council to set the foundation for how this project will be built. The MOU commits Quantica to union-built construction, a priority for hiring local and qualified workers, apprenticeship and training pathways, and specific efforts to bring more people — including those from underrepresented communities — into the skilled trades. Think of it as a formal handshake agreement that puts local labor at the center of this project before a single shovel hits the ground. The details of individual contractor agreements and specific workforce numbers will be developed as construction phases move forward.
Yes. Quantica’s potential customers rely on skilled trades and technical workers throughout construction and operations, including electricians, welders, carpenters, concrete specialists, and other craft labor.
Big Sky Digital Infrastructure is committed to hiring locally whenever possible. This includes:
- • Partnerships with Montana trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and workforce agencies;
- • Local contractor preference for construction and ongoing operations; and
- • Workforce development programs to train Montanans for data center careers.
Campuses, like Big Sky Digital Infrastructure, often support substantial indirect job creation as well, with broader economic benefits extending beyond direct on-site employment.
We recognize the importance of local hiring for:
- • Economic benefit to the community,
- • Emergency response, and
- • Long-term community relationships.
Yes. That is a core commitment in the MOU. The agreement establishes a priority for qualified local union workers, meaning Montanans, and specifically workers from Yellowstone County and surrounding communities, will have first access to job opportunities on this project.
The MOU also includes specific provisions to expand pathways for underrepresented communities in the construction trades. That means actively working to recruit, train, and support workers from groups that have historically had limited access to apprenticeship programs and union construction careers. A project of this scale creates real economic opportunity, and we want that opportunity to be genuinely accessible, not just available in theory.
A project at this scale requires a wide range of skilled crafts over multiple construction phases. Workers needed will include, but are not limited to, electricians, pipefitters, carpenters, and more. These are journeyman-level craft positions, skilled, well-paying jobs with benefits and union protections. Beyond construction, the project will also generate demand for technical operations roles once the campus is running.
- Environmental & Permitting
Big Sky Digital Infrastructure is committed to responsible development. We will continue complying with all applicable environmental laws as we develop the project.
Big Sky Digital Infrastructure is seeking to minimize impacts on water, wildlife, cultural resources, air, soil, and noise.
- Transparency & Accountability
As planning advances, Quantica will share more information about how project partners and potential customers approach responsible development.
Resources for the Big Sky Digital Infrastructure Project are available at:
- • Quantica hosts weekly office hours on Wednesdays from 10 am – 2 pm at the
Big Sky Digital Infrastructure office located at 16652 Montana Avenue, Broadview, MT 59015 - • Big Sky Digital Infrastructure website: Updates, FAQs, and contact information
- • The ‘Big Sky Digital Infrastructure – Big Sky Digital Infrastructure' Facebook Page
We welcome continued conversations and will share updates as key stages are completed.