Saline Township data center: "major construction" underway, financing secured

Major construction is actively underway for a $16 billion data center in Saline Township, Michigan, spearheaded by developers Related Digital and Blackstone. The project, which will power Oracle's AI operations, has successfully secured its necessary financing. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has lauded the data center as the largest single investment in the state's history. Developers Related Digital and Blackstone emphasize the economic benefits for Michigan and the local area, including job creation, and highlight plans to preserve 750 acres of open space while using a closed-loop cooling system to conserve water. However, the project remains controversial due to public concerns about its environmental impact, substantial energy demands (projected to use 25% of DTE Energy's current peak capacity), and a perceived lack of transparency. DTE Energy's conditional approval to supply power is currently under appeal by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who argues that the power supply contracts shared with the public are heavily redacted and lack sufficient proof to support claims that existing customer rates will not increase. Despite this ongoing litigation, the companies state the project is on schedule, with strong momentum.