Microsoft is significantly expanding its artificial intelligence infrastructure in Wisconsin with an additional $4 billion investment to construct a second AI data center in Mount Pleasant. This brings the company's total commitment in the state to over $7.3 billion, solidifying Wisconsin's role as a key hub for AI innovation.
The first data center is scheduled to become operational in early 2026 and will feature hundreds of thousands of NVIDIA Blackwell GB200 GPUs, designed to power advanced AI models and complex computational tasks. These GPUs offer a substantial leap in processing power, with the GB200 superchip reportedly up to 30 times more powerful than previous generations for AI inference and four times faster for large language model training. The second data center is expected to be operational by 2027 or later.
The combined infrastructure is anticipated to generate approximately 2,300 unionized construction jobs and an additional 2,000 permanent operational roles, providing a significant boost to the regional economy. Microsoft is also investing in workforce development through partnerships with Gateway Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, aiming to equip over 100,000 Wisconsin residents with essential AI skills by 2030.
To power these advanced facilities, Microsoft is investing in renewable energy, including a 250-megawatt solar plant in Wisconsin, scheduled to begin operations in 2027. The company is also implementing a highly water-efficient closed-loop liquid cooling system, designed to minimize water usage after initial setup. This commitment to sustainable energy and resource management aligns with global trends in technology infrastructure development.
The historical context of the first data center's location, previously intended for a Foxconn factory, highlights the evolving economic landscape of the region. Microsoft's investment signifies a new era of technological development, positioning Wisconsin at the forefront of AI advancement and underscoring the company's global strategy to scale its AI infrastructure.