PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. — In a landmark move that signals the Midwest’s growing role in global AI infrastructure, OpenAI, Oracle, and Vantage Data Centers have announced the development of a massive data center campus in Port Washington, Wisconsin. The project, part of OpenAI’s expansive Stargate initiative, represents a more than $15 billion investment that will combine sustainable technology with unprecedented computing power.
The forthcoming “Lighthouse Campus” will include four advanced hyperscale data centers capable of delivering nearly a gigawatt of AI capacity. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, with full completion slated for 2028. The project will generate over 4,000 skilled construction jobs, the majority being union-led positions, and create 1,000 long-term technology and operations jobs once operational.
“Expanding Stargate to Wisconsin is another major step toward building the infrastructure that will help ensure everyone can benefit from AI,” said Peter Hoeschele, vice president of industrial compute at OpenAI. “This project will create good jobs, advance zero-emission energy and boost the local economy—all while expanding capacity without raising rates for local consumers. We’re grateful to our partners at Oracle, Vantage and We Energies, as well as the many manufacturers, builders and suppliers across the region, for helping bring this ambitious vision to life.”
The Lighthouse campus will be one of the most sustainable data centers in the world, integrating renewable power, water-positive operations, and biodiversity protection into every stage of design and construction.
The project will source energy from solar, wind, and battery storage systems. Seventy percent of the capacity will power the data campus, with the remaining 30% benefiting Wisconsin residents.
Featuring a closed-loop liquid cooling system, the facility will minimize water consumption while funding local water restoration efforts to replenish more than it uses.
Of the 672-acre site, 500 acres will be developed, while the rest will be restored with native plantings, protected wetlands, and natural sound barriers. Over 2,000 native trees will be planted to promote ecological balance.
Vantage will pursue LEED certification, further demonstrating its commitment to responsible building standards and long-term environmental stewardship.
“We’re pleased to work with Vantage Data Centers as we continue to rapidly expand our cloud capacity to meet the growing demand for AI,” said Mahesh Thiagarajan, executive vice president, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. “Oracle’s highly performant, secure and cost-effective AI infrastructure is fueling a new era of innovation that will fortify American leadership in AI worldwide.”
Beyond its technical significance, the Lighthouse project is expected to reshape the regional economy. Analysts estimate it will contribute roughly $2.7 billion to Wisconsin’s gross domestic product (GDP), while Vantage will invest $175 million in local infrastructure, including new water towers, sewer expansions, and power upgrades that also benefit residents.
“The benefits of welcoming data centers to Port Washington are undeniable,” said Mayor Ted Neitzke IV. “Vantage’s once-in-a-generation investment will create thousands of high-paying jobs—including more than 4,000 union-led construction and operational roles—driving long-term economic ripple effects across the region. This investment will allow us to further strengthen public services and community development, enhancing the quality of life for our residents.”
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The initiative is being hailed as a strategic partnership between private industry and local government. WEC Energy Group’s We Energies will supply the project’s dedicated electricity rate—protecting local customers from utility price increases.
“By working with Vantage, we’re delivering new clean energy for the Lighthouse campus and generating lasting benefits for Wisconsin,” said Scott Lauber, president and CEO of WEC Energy Group. “Together with Vantage, we are adding nearly two gigawatts of new energy to the grid, 30% of which will be dedicated to the homes, farms and other businesses we serve today. This unique and thoughtful strategy will deliver growth without raising rates for our other customers, aligning with our shared commitment to reliability, sustainability and a positive community impact.”
Industry observers see the Wisconsin site as a transformative leap for the Upper Midwest, establishing the region as a national hub for clean AI infrastructure.
“As demand for data centers expands beyond traditional hubs, the upper Midwest has become a critical and strategic market for Vantage Data Centers and our customers,” said Dana Adams, president of North America, Vantage Data Centers. “Our investment in Wisconsin reflects the area’s strong foundation for digital growth to support sustainable AI innovation at scale. Vantage is committed to being a good neighbor and is prioritizing investing in sustainable energy, minimizing local impact and partnering closely with the community to be an economic driver for the state.”
“This commitment represents far more than a single project—it’s a catalyst for regional transformation,” added Rebecca Gries, executive director of the Milwaukee 7. “By strengthening our position as a premier destination for innovation, talent and growth, Vantage’s investment will create ripples of opportunity that extend well beyond the campus itself.”
The Wisconsin Lighthouse project joins Vantage’s Frontier campus in Shackelford County, Texas, bringing Vantage’s total investment in U.S. digital infrastructure to over $40 billion. Backed by DigitalBridge Group and Silver Lake, the company continues to expand its global platform to meet the rapidly increasing demands of AI computing.
Originally reported by Vantage Data Centers in Business Wire.
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