MOUNT Pleasant, Wisconsin (WBAY) – Microsoft has announced plans to build a second data center for Wisconsin's artificial intelligence as it approaches what is called Mount Pleasant's “the world's most powerful AI data center.”
The second data center will be built in the same area of Racine County, of similar size and size. It will start operation by the end of 2028.
The Microsoft facility currently under construction was announced in 2023. It should be operational early next year.
Due to Thursday's commitment, Microsoft's investments have exceeded $7 billion.
“Microsoft's investment will ensure Wisconsin is extremely cutting-edge in AI Power not only in the US but also around the world, supporting families, growing our communities, enhancing critical biohealth, personalized health and advanced manufacturing sectors at home,” said Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers.
Microsoft said that data centers use the world's most powerful NVIDIA processors and AI training to perform 10 times better than today's fastest supercomputers.
All of these computers require a lot of power and produce heat. To use sustainable energy at a low cost, 90% of plants use closed-loop liquid cooling systems that recirculate continuously.
The governor's office said the construction of the first Microsoft Datacenter created work on nearly 10,000 “family property” including more than 3,000 construction workers.
Microsoft said it is partnering with nearby Racine's Gateway Technical College to create a “Datacenter Academy” to boost the data center's trained workforce.
The state's latest biennial budget also included a $2 million grant to technical colleges to help recruit AI to prepare workers for the future.
“Microsoft's commitment to Wisconsin demonstrates that our state can attract and support the world's most innovative and positive companies,” said Wedc Secretary/CEO Missy Hughes. “This is a huge victory not only for the communities directly involved in this project, but also for the state as a whole.”
Copyright 2025 wbay. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
