Saline Township, Michigan, November 1, 2025
OpenAI, Oracle and Related Digital plan a cutting-edge AI data center in Saline Township, Michigan, as part of the Stargate initiative. The facility will exceed 1 gigawatt capacity and is expected to generate over 2,500 union construction jobs, more than 450 permanent on-site roles, and additional position growth across Washtenaw County. Designed with sustainability in mind, the campus will use a closed-loop cooling system, preserve more than 700 acres of open space, and include battery storage financed by the project while drawing power through DTE Energy resources. Construction is planned to begin pending regulatory approval.
Saline Township, Michigan
OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital have announced plans to construct a cutting-edge AI data center in Saline Township, Michigan, significantly enhancing Detroit’s tech infrastructure.
Project Overview
The proposed data center will have a capacity exceeding 1 gigawatt, marking a substantial investment in the region’s technological capabilities. Construction is slated to commence in early 2026, pending approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission. The facility is expected to generate over 2,500 union construction jobs and more than 450 permanent on-site positions, with an additional 1,500 jobs anticipated across Washtenaw County. This development is part of the broader Stargate initiative, which aims to expand the United States’ AI infrastructure.
Environmental and Community Considerations
The data center is designed with sustainability in mind, utilizing a closed-loop cooling system that minimizes water consumption. DTE Energy will supply 100% of the power to the project using existing resources, augmented by a new battery storage investment financed entirely by the project. This approach ensures there is no impact on DTE’s existing customers’ energy supply or rates. Additionally, the project will preserve more than 700 acres of open space, including farmland, wetlands, and forests.
Economic Impact
Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighted the project’s significance, stating that it represents the largest economic investment in Michigan’s history. The development is expected to bolster the state’s position in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
Background Context
The announcement follows a series of strategic investments by OpenAI and Oracle to expand AI infrastructure across the United States. The Stargate initiative, which includes multiple data center projects, underscores the growing demand for advanced computing power to support AI advancements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Stargate initiative?
The Stargate initiative is a collaborative effort by OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure across the United States, aiming to enhance the nation’s technological capabilities.
When is construction expected to begin?
Construction for the Michigan data center is slated to commence in early 2026, pending approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission.
How many jobs will the project create?
The project is expected to generate over 2,500 union construction jobs and more than 450 permanent on-site positions, with an additional 1,500 jobs anticipated across Washtenaw County.
What environmental measures are being implemented?
The data center will utilize a closed-loop cooling system to minimize water consumption and will preserve more than 700 acres of open space, including farmland, wetlands, and forests.
What is the significance of this investment?
Governor Gretchen Whitmer described the project as the largest economic investment in Michigan’s history, aiming to bolster the state’s position in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.
Key Features of the Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Over 1 gigawatt |
| Construction Start | Early 2026 (pending approval) |
| Union Construction Jobs | Over 2,500 |
| Permanent On-Site Jobs | More than 450 |
| Additional Jobs in County | 1,500+ |
| Environmental Measures | Closed-loop cooling system, preservation of 700+ acres of open space |
| Power Supply | 100% from DTE Energy, augmented by new battery storage |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.