And let’s pretend that the data center is a raging success. It the power they consume going to require any new investment *at all* by the power provider? If the provider is sitting at 80% today, maybe not. If they’re closer to full out, then they’re going to have to do something to have some overhead room in case of unusual weather or other situations.

There are flox of red flags on this project: DTE, the electric utility in metro Detroit, wanted to jam the approvals for the project through, without any public hearings. The state AG is irate about it, because, when she demanded to know the details of the project, she was given an extensively redacted copy of the contract. The project site is out in the boonies, so, even if DTE had the extra generation capacity, (I expect they will buy power from Ontario Hydro), the infrastructure to get the power to the site would need to be built. Of course the site is in a rural township, so it doesn't have many votes in Lansing. What about cooling water?

Meanwhile, Meta was trying to push through a data center near Howell, another rural township in Michigan, but now has withdrawn it's rezoning request.

Developer pulls rezoning request for proposed AI data center in Howell Township
Officials estimated the project could generate between $20 million and $30 million in annual tax revenue

clickondetroit.com - Developer pulls rezoning request for proposed AI data center in howell township

Steve