Saline Township, Michigan, November 7, 2025
A $7 billion Stargate data center campus is planned for Saline Township, bringing a major boost to regional tech infrastructure. The project, led by a consortium of technology and infrastructure partners, will occupy 250 acres and deliver over one gigawatt of computing capacity. Developers say the campus will create thousands of construction and permanent jobs, fund $14 million in local community initiatives, and preserve more than 700 acres of open space for farmland, wetlands and forests. DTE Energy will supply power using existing transmission capacity, and state regulators are seeking public review to ensure consumer protections.
Saline Township, Michigan
Saline Township, Michigan is set to become the site of a transformative $7 billion data center project, marking a significant advancement in the region’s technological infrastructure. This development is poised to stimulate economic growth, create thousands of jobs, and align with sustainable development goals while addressing the area’s energy demands.
Project Overview
The data center, known as the Stargate campus, is a collaborative effort between OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital. It will occupy 250 acres in Saline Township, Washtenaw County, and is slated to begin construction in early 2026. The facility is designed to deliver over a gigawatt of computing capacity, consolidating multiple data center buildings into a single campus. This initiative is part of a broader $450 billion Stargate project aimed at expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure across the United States.
Economic Impact
The project is expected to create more than 2,500 union construction jobs, over 450 permanent on-site positions, and an additional 1,500 jobs across the county. This substantial investment is considered the largest economic project in Michigan’s history, underscoring the state’s growing role in the tech industry.
Sustainability and Energy Considerations
Designed with sustainability in mind, the data center will utilize a closed-loop cooling system that significantly reduces water consumption, aligning with the region’s environmental goals. DTE Energy will provide the necessary power using existing transmission capacity, ensuring no impact on local energy supply or rates. Any required infrastructure upgrades will be funded by the project, not local ratepayers.
Community and Environmental Impact
In response to community concerns, the developers have committed to preserving over 700 acres of open space for farmland, wetlands, and forests. Additionally, Related Digital plans to invest $14 million in local initiatives, including funding for fire departments, a community investment fund, and a farmland preservation trust.
Regulatory Developments
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has intervened in the regulatory process, requesting a formal public hearing to ensure that the project does not adversely affect DTE Energy customers. This move aims to provide transparency and protect consumers from potential rate increases associated with the data center’s energy demands.
Background Context
The Stargate project is part of a nationwide initiative to expand AI infrastructure, with additional sites planned in Texas, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and Ohio. The Saline Township development follows the passage of state legislation providing incentives for tech companies to establish data centers in Michigan, reflecting the state’s proactive approach to attracting high-tech investments.
What is the Stargate data center project in Saline Township?
The Stargate data center is a $7 billion development by OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital, set to begin construction in early 2026 in Saline Township, Michigan. It aims to provide over a gigawatt of computing capacity, consolidating multiple data center buildings into a single campus.
How many jobs will the Stargate data center create?
The project is expected to create more than 2,500 union construction jobs, over 450 permanent on-site positions, and an additional 1,500 jobs across the county.
What environmental measures are being implemented for the data center?
The data center will utilize a closed-loop cooling system to significantly reduce water consumption. Additionally, over 700 acres of open space will be preserved for farmland, wetlands, and forests.
How will the project impact local energy rates?
DTE Energy will provide the necessary power using existing transmission capacity, ensuring no impact on local energy supply or rates. Any required infrastructure upgrades will be funded by the project, not local ratepayers.
What is the significance of the Stargate project for Michigan?
The Stargate project is considered the largest economic investment in Michigan’s history, reflecting the state’s growing role in the tech industry and its proactive approach to attracting high-tech investments.
Key Features of the Stargate Data Center Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | $7 billion |
| Location | Saline Township, Michigan |
| Construction Start | Early 2026 |
| Computing Capacity | Over 1 gigawatt |
| Job Creation | 2,500 union construction jobs, 450 permanent on-site positions, 1,500 additional jobs across the county |
| Environmental Measures | Closed-loop cooling system, preservation of over 700 acres of open space for farmland, wetlands, and forests |
| Energy Supply | Provided by DTE Energy using existing transmission capacity, with no impact on local energy supply or rates |
| Community Investment | $14 million in local initiatives, including funding for fire departments, a community investment fund, and a farmland preservation trust |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
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