DTE Energy anticipates state regulatory approval for Michigan’s first hyperscale data center in Saline Township, potentially on December 18, 2023. The 2.2 million-square-foot facility, backed by OpenAI and Oracle, requires 1.4 gigawatts of electricity—enough for over a million homes. Despite earlier pressures for expedited approval by December 5, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) did not address the request, revealing the contract’s deadline can extend to December 19 instead. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel advocates for full public hearings over DTE’s secret agreements, emphasizing community concerns. The project, supported by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, promises job creation, local tax benefits, and strengthens Michigan’s competitiveness in the AI sector. Protests against the data center signify local opposition, with residents urging a thorough evaluation of the project and its environmental impacts. The next MPSC meeting will be crucial for transparency in these complex contracts.
Source link