Microsoft Completes Fairwater Data Centre Project

Microsoft has concluded the construction of its first AI data centre in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin ahead of the company’s estimated schedule. 

Now fully operational, the Fairwater data centre is described by the software firm as the world's most potent AI data hub. To maintain its functionality and meet procurement objectives, the facility currently employs a full-time on-site staff of nearly 550 people.

Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft shares his perspective regarding the new centre: “With our Fairwater datacenter now fully operational, Wisconsin is now home to the world’s most powerful supercomputer.

“This campus will help power the next generation of AI innovation globally and provide long-term economic opportunity locally through hundreds of highly skilled jobs and continued investment in the region.”

Details of the new centre

Functioning as a supercomputer, the Fairwater data centre prioritises AI through a single flat networking architecture and AI accelerators. By interconnecting hundreds of thousands of cutting-edge NVIDIA GPUs, the facility performs simultaneous mathematical computations that streamline both inference and training workloads.

As for environmental concerns, Microsoft implemented a closed-loop liquid cooling system throughout more than 90% of the facility's infrastructure. Fairwater has the second largest water-cooled chiller plant on earth which circulates water in its closed loop cooling system on a consistent basis. The company emphasises that the data centre represents a foundation of genuine technology and investment, coupled with a significant impact on the local community.

David DeGroot, Village President of Village of Mount Pleasant adds: “This is a historic milestone for Mount Pleasant and all of Racine County as we become home to one of the most advanced technology campuses in the world.

“Microsoft’s decision to invest here elevates our community into a destination for innovation and advancement. As this campus continues to grow, it will create lasting opportunities for residents, strengthen our regional economy and help position Wisconsin for long-term success.”

Microsoft utilises local sourcing 

By partnering with 29 local businesses, ranging from machinery and electrical equipment manufacturers to steel fabricators and construction contractors, Microsoft successfully sourced its requirements directly from Wisconsin counties.

In 2025, Noelle Walsh, President for Cloud Operations and Innovation at Microsoft shared details of the company’s data centres on LinkedIn:

“What sets Microsoft’s infrastructure apart is the relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability.

“Our data centres use advanced closed-loop liquid cooling systems – integrated pipes circulate cold liquid directly into servers, extracting heat efficiently and ensuring zero water waste.

“Globally, Microsoft has contracted over 34 gigawatts (GW) of carbon-free (renewable) electricity across 24 countries. In Wisconsin, we will match our energy consumption with renewable energy onto the grid. 

“To protect customers from future cost increases due to data centre operations, Microsoft is pre-paying for the energy and electrical infrastructure used by the Wisconsin data centre.”

Initially announced in 2024, the data centre surpassed its projected early 2026 completion date. Microsoft is already progressing with construction on a second adjacent site which is slated for completion in 2028. By that time, the company projects its total expenditure on hyperscale construction within Wisconsin will reach US$4.7bn.