OpenAI Stargate: Benton, MI (The Barn)

OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital are partnering to build a massive data center campus in Saline Township, Michigan, dubbed "The Barn." Spanning a 1,000-acre site, the facility will feature three single-story buildings across 250 acres, while preserving the remaining land as open space and wetlands.

The project initially faced intense scrutiny from residents and state officials over potential grid impacts. However, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) officially approved DTE Energy’s special utility agreements for the project, adding strict conditions to protect existing ratepayers from infrastructure costs.

Following this regulatory approval, construction managed by Walbridge officially commenced in early 2026. DTE Energy will supply the campus with power, and under the approved framework, Oracle is fully financing a corresponding battery storage system across the DTE grid over a 15-year term to stabilize the local power infrastructure and offset the facility's electricity draw.