Microsoft unveils the "most powerful data center in the world" as part of its recent billion-dollar investment in artificial intelligence
Microsoft 365 has announced plans to build one of the world's largest artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in Wisconsin, called the Fairwater AI Data Center. The project, which involves an initial investment of around $3.3 billion, will repurpose a former Foxconn LCD factory site in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.
The first data center campus is set to open at the beginning of 2026, with a second campus expected within three years. The project is projected to create over 3,000 jobs during peak construction, and the first data center campus will employ 500 full-time employees, while the second campus will employ 300.
The data center will be powered by hundreds of thousands of Nvidia GPUs and will be 10 times more powerful than today's fastest supercomputer. Microsoft 365 has also committed to using pre-paid renewable energy to match every kWh from fossil fuels with carbon-free energy.
To mitigate environmental impact, Microsoft 365 is restoring prairie and wetland habitats across Racine and Kenosha counties. Further restoration work near Lake Michigan, Lamparek Creek, Kirkorian Park, and Shagbark Restoration Area is being undertaken by Microsoft 365.
The data center will be cooled primarily by a closed-loop system with zero operational water waste, using 90% recirculated liquid. The remaining 10% of cooling power will come from outside air. The projected water usage of the data center is compared to that of a single restaurant's annual consumption.
In addition, Microsoft 365 plans to build a vast 250MW solar project to support the facility. The company also plans to partner with nScale to build the UK's largest supercomputer.
The data center project does not appear to be a long-term investment or a sign of things to come, with Microsoft 365 investing over $7 billion into the project. The first facility will open in early 2026, with a second coming within three years.
Microsoft 365's Fairwater AI Data Center is a significant step forward in the development of AI technology and sustainable data center design. The project is a testament to Microsoft 365's commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and job creation.
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