Saline Township, Michigan, October 31, 2025
OpenAI, Oracle and Related Digital announced plans to build a data center campus exceeding 1 gigawatt on 250 acres in Saline Township, Michigan, as part of their Stargate expansion. 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 jobs across the county. Designed with closed‑loop cooling and on‑site battery storage, the facility aims to minimize water use and avoid impacts on local power rates. Construction is planned to begin pending regulatory approval, with a Detroit firm serving as general contractor.
Saline Township, Michigan
OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital have announced plans to construct a data center campus exceeding 1 gigawatt in Saline Township, Michigan, as part of their Stargate initiative to expand U.S. artificial intelligence infrastructure capacity.
The project, a multi-billion-dollar investment, is slated to begin construction in early 2026. It is expected to create over 2,500 union construction jobs and more than 450 permanent on-site positions, with an additional 1,500 jobs anticipated across the county. This development underscores the escalating demand for computing power in the AI industry, driven by the pursuit of technology capable of matching or surpassing human intelligence.
The data center will be developed on 250 acres in Saline Township and will utilize a closed-loop cooling system, significantly reducing 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, ensuring no impact on DTE’s existing customers’ energy supply or rates. 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.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighted the project’s significance, stating that it represents the largest one-time investment in the state’s history. She emphasized the creation of 2,500 good-paying union construction jobs, more than 450 permanent high-skill, high-paying jobs on-site, and 1,500 more in the community, contributing to the future of advanced manufacturing and technology in Michigan.
The project is part of Oracle and OpenAI’s 4.5-GW Stargate expansion, which, together with six other U.S. sites, aims to meet the growing demands of the AI industry for computing power, driven by ambitions to create technology rivaling human intelligence.
Related Digital plans to invest an additional $14 million in local initiatives requested by the Saline Township Board, including funding for fire departments, a community investment fund, and a farmland preservation trust. The project is expected to have minimal effects on local traffic, with a Michigan Department of Transportation traffic study awarding it an ‘A’ rating.
Pending approval by the Michigan Public Service Commission, construction is expected to begin in early 2026. Walbridge, a Detroit-based construction firm, will serve as the general contractor on the project.
FAQ
What is the Stargate data center project?
The Stargate data center project is a multi-billion-dollar initiative by OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital to construct a data center campus exceeding 1 gigawatt in Saline Township, Michigan, as part of their effort to expand U.S. artificial intelligence infrastructure capacity.
When is construction expected to begin?
Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, pending approval by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
How many jobs will the project create?
The project is expected to create over 2,500 union construction jobs, more than 450 permanent on-site positions, with an additional 1,500 jobs anticipated across the county.
What is the environmental impact of the data center?
The facility will utilize a closed-loop cooling system, significantly reducing water consumption, and will be designed to be one of the most advanced AI infrastructure sites in the country, emphasizing efficient use of land, water, and energy.
How will the project affect local traffic?
A Michigan Department of Transportation traffic study awarded the project an ‘A’ rating, indicating minimal effects on local traffic.
Key Features of the Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Saline Township, Michigan |
| Capacity | Over 1 gigawatt |
| Construction Start | Early 2026 |
| Jobs Created | Over 2,500 union construction jobs, more than 450 permanent on-site positions, and an additional 1,500 jobs across the county |
| Environmental Impact | Closed-loop cooling system, efficient use of land, water, and energy |
| Traffic Impact | Minimal effects, ‘A’ rating from Michigan Department of Transportation traffic study |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
DTE Energy Breaks Ground on Detroit Neighborhood Solar Field
OpenAI, Oracle and Related Digital to build 1GW data center in Saline Township
Farmington Hills Fire Department Completes Renovation of Emergency Operations Center
Detroit Starts Construction on First Municipal Solar Field
Detroit Advances Solar Energy to Power Municipal Buildings
Controversy Surrounds Proposed Data Centers in Southeast Michigan
Proposed Data Centers Spark Debate in Southeast Michigan
No Kings Protests Mobilize Thousands Against Trump in Michigan
Saline Township Leads Opposition Against AI Data Centers
Reviving Infrastructure through Fixer-Upper Renovations
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.