OpenAI has teamed up with Oracle to spearhead the development of a sprawling data center campus in Saline Township, Michigan, USA. This ambitious project, boasting a capacity surpassing 1 gigawatt, forms a crucial part of the broader initiative to propel the advancement of artificial intelligence infrastructure. Construction is slated to kick off in early 2026.
The overarching goal of this endeavor is to infuse the 'Stargate' computing ecosystem with an additional 4.5 gigawatts of capacity. This monumental task will entail a multi-billion-dollar investment, with the financial backing coming from a consortium of investors. During the construction phase, the project is expected to generate over 2,500 union construction jobs. Once operational, it will create more than 450 on-site positions, 1,500 county-level supporting roles, and thousands of indirect employment opportunities, thus providing a significant boost to the local economy.
At the heart of this collaboration lies the shared objective of meeting the burgeoning AI computing demand in the United States and cementing the nation's technological leadership on the global stage. The data center campus, sprawling across 250 acres, has been meticulously designed and will be operated with a strong emphasis on environmental protection. It incorporates LEED-certified design principles and a closed-loop cooling system to minimize its ecological footprint.
DTE Energy will be the sole provider of electricity for the campus, with the energy solution leveraging existing resources and being augmented by new investments in battery energy storage. This arrangement is set to benefit DTE customers as well.
Lastly, it's worth noting that the market is inherently volatile, and investments should be approached with due diligence and caution.
