Saline Township, Michigan, October 31, 2025
OpenAI, Oracle and Related Digital announced plans to build a 1-gigawatt data center campus in Saline Township, Michigan, as part of the Stargate initiative to expand U.S. AI infrastructure. Construction is slated to begin in early 2026 pending regulatory approval and will be managed by Walbridge as general contractor. The multi-billion-dollar project is expected to create over 2,500 union construction jobs, more than 450 permanent on-site positions and roughly 1,500 additional county jobs. The facility will use closed-loop cooling, be LEED targeted, preserve over 700 acres of open space, and will be powered 100% by DTE Energy resources with added project-funded battery storage.
Saline Township, Michigan
OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital have announced plans to construct a 1-gigawatt data center campus in Saline Township, Michigan, marking a significant advancement in artificial intelligence infrastructure. This project is part of the Stargate initiative, aiming to expand U.S. AI capacity. Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, with the facility expected to create over 2,500 union construction jobs and more than 450 permanent on-site positions. Additionally, approximately 1,500 jobs are anticipated to be generated across the county to support the project. The development is projected to be a multi-billion-dollar investment, though the exact figure has not been disclosed. Industry estimates suggest that 1 gigawatt of computing power can cost around $50 billion. The data center will utilize a closed-loop cooling system, minimizing water usage and operating without requiring new power generation. 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, ensuring no impact on DTE’s existing customers’ energy supply or rates. The project is expected to be LEED certified and will preserve more than 700 acres of open space for farmland, wetlands, and forests. Pending approval by the Michigan Public Service Commission, construction is set to commence in early 2026. Walbridge, a Detroit-based construction firm, will serve as the general contractor for the project.
Project Details
- Location: Saline Township, Michigan
- Capacity: 1 gigawatt
- Construction Start: Early 2026
- Job Creation: Over 2,500 union construction jobs, more than 450 permanent on-site positions, and approximately 1,500 additional jobs county-wide
- Investment: Multi-billion-dollar (exact amount undisclosed)
- Cooling System: Closed-loop system to minimize water usage
- Power Supply: 100% from DTE Energy using existing resources, augmented by new battery storage investment
- Environmental Impact: LEED certified, preserving over 700 acres of open space for farmland, wetlands, and forests
- General Contractor: Walbridge
Background
The Stargate initiative is a collaborative effort between OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure in the United States. This project in Saline Township is part of a broader plan to increase AI capacity across multiple sites, with a total investment exceeding $450 billion over the next three years. The facility is designed to be one of the most advanced AI infrastructure sites in the country, emphasizing efficient use of land, water, and energy resources. The project has received support from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who highlighted its significance as the largest one-time investment in the state’s history and its potential to boost economic growth through innovative development.
FAQ
What is the Stargate data center project?
The Stargate data center project is a collaborative effort between OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital to build a 1-gigawatt data center campus in Saline Township, Michigan, as part of the Stargate initiative to expand U.S. artificial intelligence infrastructure capacity. Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, with the facility expected to create over 2,500 union construction jobs and more than 450 permanent on-site positions. Additionally, approximately 1,500 jobs are anticipated to be generated across the county to support the project. The development is projected to be a multi-billion-dollar investment, though the exact figure has not been disclosed. Industry estimates suggest that 1 gigawatt of computing power can cost around $50 billion. The data center will utilize a closed-loop cooling system, minimizing water usage and operating without requiring new power generation. 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, ensuring no impact on DTE’s existing customers’ energy supply or rates. The project is expected to be LEED certified and will preserve more than 700 acres of open space for farmland, wetlands, and forests. Pending approval by the Michigan Public Service Commission, construction is set to commence in early 2026. Walbridge, a Detroit-based construction firm, will serve as the general contractor for the project.
What is the significance of this project for Michigan?
The project is expected to be the largest one-time investment in Michigan’s history, with over 2,500 union construction jobs, more than 450 permanent on-site positions, and approximately 1,500 additional jobs county-wide. It is designed to be one of the most advanced AI infrastructure facilities in the U.S., emphasizing efficient use of land, water, and power resources. The project has received support from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who highlighted its potential to boost economic growth through innovative development.
What environmental considerations are being taken into account?
The data center will utilize a closed-loop cooling system to minimize water usage and will operate without requiring new power generation. 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, ensuring no impact on DTE’s existing customers’ energy supply or rates. The project is expected to be LEED certified and will preserve more than 700 acres of open space for farmland, wetlands, and forests.
Who is responsible for the construction of the project?
Walbridge, a Detroit-based construction firm, will serve as the general contractor for the project. The project is expected to be LEED certified and will preserve more than 700 acres of open space for farmland, wetlands, and forests. Pending approval by the Michigan Public Service Commission, construction is set to commence in early 2026.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Saline Township, Michigan |
| Capacity | 1 gigawatt |
| Construction Start | Early 2026 |
| Job Creation | Over 2,500 union construction jobs, more than 450 permanent on-site positions, and approximately 1,500 additional jobs county-wide |
| Investment | Multi-billion-dollar (exact amount undisclosed) |
| Cooling System | Closed-loop system to minimize water usage |
| Power Supply | 100% from DTE Energy using existing resources, augmented by new battery storage investment |
| Environmental Impact | LEED certified, preserving over 700 acres of open space for farmland, wetlands, and forests |
| General Contractor | Walbridge |
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