Details
- OpenAI is breaking ground on Stargate Michigan, a 1GW data center that will use a closed-loop cooling system designed to consume water at roughly the rate of a typical office building.
- The Michigan site follows existing Stargate campuses in Texas, New Mexico, and Wisconsin, all of which recirculate the same water after an initial fill to reduce ongoing water withdrawals.
- OpenAI positions the project as part of its mission to ensure AGI benefits all of humanity, emphasizing commitments to being a good neighbor and supporting host communities.
- Stargate Michigan is expected to create over 2,500 union jobs and generate more than $1 billion in new tax revenue for local schools and public services.
- OpenAI states the data center will pay for 100% of the electricity it uses under its broader commitment to covering its own energy costs rather than relying on public subsidies.
- The company is partnering with organizations across Michigan to provide AI literacy training, aiming to build practical AI skills for careers in engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and skilled trades.
- OpenAI is offering $100 in Codex credits to each of more than 400,000 eligible Michigan college, community college, and trade school students for the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Eligible Michigan students can claim their Codex credits through the dedicated sign-up link shared in the announcement.
Impact
Stargate Michigan underscores how hyperscale AI infrastructure is being tied to local economic and educational benefits, as OpenAI seeks to balance rising compute demand with water, energy, and community concerns. By coupling a large data center build-out with union jobs, tax revenue, and statewide AI credits, OpenAI is signaling a model for politically durable AI expansion in the U.S. Midwest.
