Status: Under Construction / Initial phases operational (announced September 2025 with $4 billion expansion) | Location: Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, USA
The Microsoft AI Superfactory in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, exemplifies the radical evolution of data center design driven by the extreme demands of Generative AI and large language models (LLMs) like those developed by OpenAI. This facility is not a traditional cloud data center; it is a purpose-built, single-cluster supercomputer designed to operate as one massive machine, integrating seamlessly with Microsoft’s global Azure infrastructure. The initial commitment to the Wisconsin site alone is $4 billion, signaling its critical role in the new AI economy.
The central challenge addressed by this design is power density. Traditional data center racks consume 5-15 kW, but AI training racks—packed with hundreds of NVIDIA GPUs (such as the Blackwell GB200)—can draw 60 kW to over 150 kW. To manage the resulting thermal load, the facility relies on advanced closed-loop liquid cooling systems. This direct-to-chip cooling, which pipes chilled fluid directly to the processors, ensures optimal performance while being engineered for near-zero water consumption during operation, a crucial sustainability measure.
Connectivity is arguably the most innovative feature. The facility is interconnected with other dedicated Microsoft AI sites (e.g., in Atlanta, Georgia) via the AI Wide Area Network (AI WAN). This dedicated, high-capacity, low-latency fiber network allows the geographically dispersed data centers to function as a single, cohesive AI Superfactory. This allows for massive, distributed model training, enabling breakthroughs to be achieved in weeks instead of months. The internal network uses high-performance interconnects like NVIDIA’s Spectrum-X Ethernet AI fabric to ensure that all chips—millions of them across the campus—can communicate at high speed with minimal latency.
The project leverages innovative construction techniques, including partnerships with engineering giants like Bechtel to use modular construction. This "data center Lego blocks" approach involves manufacturing electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems off-site for rapid assembly on-site, drastically accelerating the time-to-market. The goal is to deliver what amounts to Gigawatt-scale compute capacity with the speed and efficiency required to keep pace with the accelerating global AI race.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Microsoft AI Superfactory (Fairwater Design) - Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin |
| Location | Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, USA |
| Status | Under Construction / Initial phases operational (announced September 2025 with $4 billion expansion) |
| Commissioning | Phased go-live starting in late 2025 |
| Total IT Load | Ultimate campus capacity is anticipated to be Gigawatt-scale |
| Total Capacity | Specialized AI Supercomputer Cluster |
| Tier Level | Designed for Tier IV equivalent resilience for critical AI training workloads and extremely high density |
| Project Type | Dedicated AI/HPC Data Centre |
| Header | Details |
|---|---|
| City Name | Phoenix / Goodyear / El Mirage |
| Population | approx 28,184$ |
| Urban Agglomeration | $approx 198,651$ |
| City GDP | $approx $10.91$ Billion USD |
| Per Capita Income | $48,362 USD. |
| City Tier | Secondary U.S. Data Center Market |
| Key Strengths | Vibrant Economy: |
| Header | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer / Operator | Microsoft Corporation |
| Strategic Infrastructure Partner | OpenAI (Primary workload), NVIDIA (Hardware/Networking), Bechtel (Modular construction partnership) |
| Construction Contractor | Various, with general contractor Bechtel leveraging modular construction techniques. |
| MEP Engineering | NA |
| Network Connectivity | AI Wide Area Network (AI WAN): A new, dedicated fiber-optic network built to link this facility with other AI sites (like Atlanta) to operate as a single, massive AI Superfactory. |
| Power Infrastructure | NA |
| Header | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Capacity | hundreds of MW |
| UPS Redundancy | High-density UPS systems (AI-load tolerant) with modular, redundant designs (likely 2N or 2N+1 for power train components). |
| Cooling System | Advanced Closed-Loop Liquid Cooling |
| Connectivity | AI Wide Area Network (AI WAN): |
| PUE Target | Targeting extremely low PUE, likely 1.15 or lower, due to highly efficient cooling and modern hardware. |
| Energy Mix | Committed to offsetting 100% of fossil fuel consumption with carbon-free energy put back onto the grid. This is supported by a new 250 MW solar project in Portage County, Wisconsin. |
| Header | Details |
|---|---|
| Announcement | September 2025 |
| Construction Start | Fall 2023 |
| Phase 1 Go-Live | Early 2026 |
| Full Buildout | End of 2028 |
| Header | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | $4 billion |
| Funding | Microsoft Corporation |
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