Microsoft Hits Pause on $3.3 Billion Wisconsin Data Center: Reassesses Future Construction Plans

Microsoft has recently put a hold on certain construction activities at its $3.3 billion data center campus in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, intended for use by OpenAI. The tech giant had initially secured approval to develop up to 1,000 acres in the village. While Microsoft remains committed to advancing the first phase of this project, it is currently reassessing the subsequent stages of construction.

In a statement to Wisconsin Public Radio, Microsoft explained, "As we evaluate the scope and recent technological changes, and consider how these changes might affect the design of our facilities, we have paused early construction work on the second phase." The company also expressed its intention to meet with state officials upon completion of this evaluation. "We expect this process to take several months," the statement noted, emphasizing Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to the data center campus, which remains a high priority for the company.

Previously, Microsoft had announced plans to invest $3.3 billion in Wisconsin by 2026. The company reassured, in its communication with WPR, that it is on track to fulfill this commitment. According to previous reports by Data Center Dynamics, Microsoft intends to implement a closed-loop zero evaporation cooling system at its Mount Pleasant and Phoenix, Arizona data centers. This technological aspect might be connected to the current suspension of work.