A major expansion of OpenAI's Stargate digital infrastructure project has been announced, with a new data center campus planned for Michigan. The 1GW facility will be developed by Related Digital in partnership with OpenAI and Oracle, and is expected to create over 2,500 construction jobs and more than 450 permanent positions.

What Happened

The project, dubbed "The Barn", will consist of three 550,000 sq ft single-story buildings on a 250-acre site in Saline Township. The facility will be powered entirely by DTE Energy using existing resources and augmented by a new battery storage investment financed by the project itself. This approach is designed to minimize environmental impact and avoid drawing from the Great Lakes.

The data center campus will feature a closed-loop cooling system, reducing water usage and minimizing waste. The project's developers have emphasized their commitment to sustainability and efficient resource use, with officials stating that the facility will operate without requiring additional power generation.

Background and Context

OpenAI's Stargate project is a sprawling effort to invest $500bn in digital infrastructure over the next four years. The company has partnered with Oracle to deliver 4.5GW of additional capacity, with Related Digital developing several large-scale data center campuses across the US.

The Michigan facility will be one of the largest investments in the state's history, with Governor Gretchen Whitmer hailing it as a major boost for the local economy. The project is expected to create over 2,500 construction jobs and more than 450 permanent positions, with an additional 1,500 jobs projected to be created across Washtenaw County.

Why It Matters to the Industry

The expansion of OpenAI's Stargate project has significant implications for the adult industry. As a major player in the development of AI infrastructure, OpenAI is driving innovation and investment in digital technologies that will shape the future of online content creation and distribution.

The new data center campus in Michigan will provide a critical component of this infrastructure, enabling OpenAI to scale its operations and support the growing demand for AI-powered services. This expansion will also create opportunities for adult industry platforms and operators to leverage cutting-edge technologies and improve their performance, security, and scalability.

What Comes Next

The project is expected to begin construction in early 2026, pending approval by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Related Digital has invested $14 million in community initiatives, including support for local fire departments, a community fund, and farmland preservation.

The facility will be developed using a LEED-certified design, prioritizing sustainability and efficient resource use. The project's developers have emphasized their commitment to minimizing environmental impact and preserving open space, with over 700 acres of land set aside for farmland, wetlands, and forests.

Key Facts

  • The new data center campus will be developed by Related Digital in partnership with OpenAI and Oracle.
  • The facility will have a capacity of over 1GW and consist of three 550,000 sq ft single-story buildings.
  • The project is expected to create over 2,500 construction jobs and more than 450 permanent positions.
  • DTE Energy will supply 100% of the power using existing resources and augmented by a new battery storage investment financed by the project itself.
  • The facility will feature a closed-loop cooling system, reducing water usage and minimizing waste.