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Two industrial sites eyed for quantum computer factory

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Illinois

Two massive industrial sites that symbolize Chicago’s manufacturing decline — a former steel mill on the South Side and a former refinery in the southwest suburbs — could get new life in the race to build cutting-edge technology.

PsiQuantum is considering the former U.S. Steel South Works site and the former Texaco refinery in Lockport for a facility to build and operate quantum computers, which could result in more than 1,000 jobs, sources familiar with the project tell Crain’s. A decision could come in the next six weeks. […]

Landing the company would go a long way to fulfilling Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s vision of turning Illinois into “the Silicon Valley of quantum development,” adding to a streak of economic-development wins over the past two years that includes electric-vehicle and battery manufacturing projects involving Stellantis and Gotion. It also would bring a long-awaited revitalization to one of two industrial sites in the Chicago area that had been left for dead. In the case of South Works, it would provide a long-sought catalyst to revitalize a neighborhood badly in need of an economic boost. […]

The massive, long-fallow lakefront property has stumped developers for years on how to repurpose it, with multiple suitors wary of unknown costs to clean up the land’s contaminated soil. But sources familiar with the property said a new developer is entering the mix: Related Midwest, which is believed to be closing in on an option to buy the entire 440-acre site in connection with the quantum project. Representatives from PsiQuantum met with officials from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office on the project last week, according to two sources familiar with the meeting.

* The Real Deal…

California-based PsiQuantum is part of a select group leading the development of quantum computers, a technology poised to revolutionize various fields. The company seeks a location capable of sustaining cryogenic facilities crucial for operating quantum computers. Initial estimates indicate the creation of 250 to 1,000 jobs, with prospects for expansion in the future. […]

Illinois’ quantum investment, backed by $200 million funding and initiatives like the Chicago Quantum Exchange, has already attracted substantial federal research grants. The state now competes with Colorado for additional federal funding, aiming to establish itself as the nation’s quantum industry epicenter. […]

The prospective project involves colossal investments, spanning two facilities covering 500,000 square feet and demanding significant power and water resources.

* Related…

WAND | Pritzker, Bloch tech leaders excited for next phase of quantum research:

* WGN | Pritzker announces plan to make Chicago quantum technology capital: On Monday, top executives from Fortune 500 companies like IBM and Microsoft joined leaders of tech start-ups and professors from top universities as Pritzker announced a plan for the state to invest $500 million in efforts that would cement Illinois’ status as the nation’s leading quantum tech hub.

posted by Isabel Miller
Tuesday, Apr 2, 24 @ 10:29 am

Comments

Using the lake for cooling is an interesting idea, assuming they wouldn’t be drawing directly.

In terms of 1,000 jobs, I would be curious how many are construction vs. continuing operations. In general, data centers don’t need many people when they are up and running. That being said, right now, quantum computing hardware requires significant babysitting compared to traditional computer hardware.

Locating a data center in Chicago will make it closer (and have lower network latency) to the CBOE and other Chicago markets. I suspect trading is going to be one of early adaptors of this stuff.

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Apr 2, 24 @ 10:53 am
“and demanding significant power and water resources”

Great lakes provide water aplenty - for power this could be a great fit for a SMR from House Bill 2473.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Tuesday, Apr 2, 24 @ 10:58 am
interesting on all angles Including security perspective This new technology is valuable Gotta have great security in multiple ways

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Apr 2, 24 @ 11:51 am
Who doesn’t want their state’s chief executive pushing to increase business? This governor is great at it and spreads much good will, also by improving the state’s finances.

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Apr 2, 24 @ 12:15 pm
==In general, data centers don’t need many people when they are up and running. ==

I am reading this as a place to both build and run the computers. Data centers don’t manufacture anything.

Comment by supplied_demand Tuesday, Apr 2, 24 @ 2:00 pm
Having been involved in a number of site-selection processes, I find it odd that there’s public discussion about potential sites before the decision has been made. Typically, if the public’s reading about a potential site, that means that site is no longer in the running.

Comment by Duck Duck Goose Tuesday, Apr 2, 24 @ 2:10 pm
- Typically, if the public’s reading about a potential site, that means that site is no longer in the running. -

That’s the silliest statement I’ve read in some time.

Comment by Excitable Boy Tuesday, Apr 2, 24 @ 8:24 pm