Microsoft's plans for 15 more data centers win approval at former Wisconsin Foxconn site

Local authorities have granted approval for Microsoft to establish 15 additional data centers in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. This development is part of a strategic expansion near an existing facility, aimed at enhancing the company's capacity to capitalize on revenue from clients like OpenAI. The race to build data centers equipped with powerful Nvidia chips for running generative AI models is heating up among tech giants such as Amazon, Google, and Oracle. However, securing suitable locations for these facilities poses challenges, particularly as local utilities may lack the necessary energy resources. Additionally, residents in prospective areas have been increasingly vocal about their opposition to such developments. In Mount Pleasant, the response has generally been positive. The village has a history of accommodating major projects, including the ambitious $10 billion Foxconn plant announced in 2017, which was predicted to create 13,000 jobs. However, Foxconn's actual job creation has fallen short, employing only about 1,000 individuals across the state by 2023, leaving the village with significant financial obligations. While Microsoft faced opposition in nearby Caledonia regarding land rezoning for a data center, it has found a more welcoming environment in Mount Pleasant. The plans include nearly 9 million square feet of building space, with two lots designated for the new centers, along with three proposed substations. The projected taxable value of these developments exceeds $13 billion. During a recent village board meeting, six residents voiced their support for Microsoft's expansion, while only three raised concerns. One critic suggested that jobs created by the data centers would be temporary, a claim that was firmly countered by David DeGroot, president of the Mount Pleasant village board. He emphasized that union workers would have stable employment on-site for the next decade. The village’s planning commission has also approved site plans that incorporate staff recommendations. Notably, the 15 new data centers will not require more water than the 8.4 million gallons expected to be supplied annually from nearby Racine. Microsoft is now poised to proceed with final engineering plans and building permits.