Controversy Surrounds Proposed 1.4 GW Stargate Data Center in Saline Township, Michigan
The Stargate project in Saline Township, Michigan, proposes constructing a massive 1.4 gigawatt data center with an estimated price tag of $7 billion. The initiative is backed by a prominent coalition including former President Donald Trump, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, DTE Energy, and developer Stephen Ross.
This data center, part of the larger Stargate initiative comprising five data centers, would serve OpenAI and Oracle for AI infrastructure needs. However, the project's scale means it would consume power equivalent to that used by the city of Detroit, raising concerns about increased residential energy bills and threatening the local groundwater quality. Additionally, there are fears it could erode the rural character of Saline Township as Michigan continues pursuing renewable energy goals.
Initially, Saline Township rejected the plan in September, but after a lawsuit filed by Related Digital—the project's developer and owner—the township reversed its decision, allowing the project to proceed. The proposal covers a 575-acre site near US Route 12 close to Ann Arbor.
Local opposition has grown fervent, with protests expanding from about 200 participants to 800 at a state hearing. Residents including Kate Haushalter and Josh LeBaron have described the project as uniquely harmful and criticize the lack of transparency surrounding its development.
At the regulatory level, the Michigan Public Services Commission faces scrutiny for whether to fast-track DTE Energy's plan or require a contested case process. Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Sierra Club advocate for full contested hearings, while DTE Energy asserts the project will not increase costs for existing customers.
Michigan’s climate law aims for 100% renewable energy by 2040 but includes an off-ramp that allows continued use of fossil fuel plants if renewable capacity cannot meet demand. The addition of the 1.4 GW data center, plus associated energy storage, could push the regional power grid toward this off-ramp, potentially prompting DTE to build new gas power capacity despite the state’s renewables goals.
