Quantica Infrastructure, LLC (Quantica), developer of integrated digital infrastructure combining power, connectivity, and land, that is sponsored by EnCap Investments L.P. (“EnCap”), filed interconnection applications with NorthWestern Energy to expand power generation for its 1,100 MW Big Sky Campus in Yellowstone County. The expanded power is designed to support potential long-term customer demand at the Campus while supporting regional grid reliability. Quantica anticipates delivering this capacity in multiple phases over several years, aligned with customer commitments and regulatory approvals.
Quantica’s filing marks the starting point of NorthWestern Energy’s formal interconnection review, which must begin years in advance of construction. The applications cover a mix of 7,235 MW of maximum additional capacity, including renewable and firming generation, plus battery storage. The output of electricity from renewable generation is materially less than its maximum potential megawatt capacity. Generation proposals of this scale undergo a thorough process and review to ensure system reliability for the state.
“Quantica will pay for the additional power capacity for the Big Sky Digital Infrastructure Campus in Montana. NorthWestern Energy’s ratepayers will not be responsible for the cost of the power. As a Billings resident, I appreciate this approach and it’s important to me that my neighbors don’t foot the bill for our project,” says Charlie Baker, Chief Accounting Officer of Quantica Infrastructure. “Developed by Montanans and grounded in local priorities, this project is designed to advance statewide economic opportunity while responsibly safeguarding communities and minimizing negative impacts to Montana’s citizens.”
As part of our commitment to develop responsibly and aligning with the Montana way of life, Big Sky Digital Infrastructure has engaged in preliminary discussions with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality on various permitting requirements for the Campus and associated generation, including firming power like natural gas, geothermal and other potential sources.
“Data center companies are looking for places that can deliver power, connectivity, and building capacity at scale. By investing in additional capacity now, we plan to address what we’re seeing in terms of power demand from data center companies. This expansion significantly increases our total investment in Montana, and the additional power capacity would result in even more economic opportunity, construction jobs over several years, and strengthen the State’s power grid,” says John Chesser, CEO of Quantica Infrastructure.
The Big Sky Campus is a 5,100-acre data center development project located 30 miles north of Billings, strategically positioned adjacent to a major substation, highways, and rail. The site is designed to support multiple data center buildings and can accommodate the proposed increase in power capacity without requiring expansion at the campus. The first building is expected to be operational in 2029. The campus will be connected to hundreds of miles of new fiber-ready underground conduit, linking the Big Sky Digital Infrastructure Campus to other markets across the US, and providing robust connectivity to local communities. The campus also features a large-scale, renewable energy plan and battery storage, providing a resilient power mix for the campus.
About Big Sky Digital Infrastructure
Big Sky Digital Infrastructure, a Quantica company, is dedicated to advancing Montana’s role in the digital economy by developing world-class infrastructure that connects communities to the future. By utilizing abundant renewable energy sources and strategic geographic location, Big Sky delivers scalable, sustainable, and resilient solutions for AI, hyperscale, and data center operators. Rooted in local values and driven by a vision for statewide growth, Big Sky is building the foundation for enduring opportunity and innovation across the region.
About Quantica Infrastructure
Quantica Infrastructure delivers integrated digital infrastructure solutions by combining permitted land, robust power, and resilient network routes for AI, hyperscale, and data center operators across the U.S.
About EnCap Investments L.P.
Since 1988, EnCap Investments L.P. has been a leading provider of growth capital to the independent sector of the U.S. energy industry. The firm has raised 25 institutional investment funds totaling approximately $47 billion and currently manages capital on behalf of more than 350 U.S. and international investors. Founded in 2019, the EnCap Energy Transition platform is led by three Managing Partners, each with 30-35 years of experience in the development and operations of renewable energy and other power generation assets. Since inception, EnCap Energy Transition portfolio companies have executed nearly 3.5 GW of power purchase agreements in Texas with four of the world’s largest hyperscale data companies.
