Microsoft pauses construction of US$3b Wisconsin data centre

The exterior of a Microsoft facility. (Image: Adobe Stock)

News reports said the company is still on track to finish phase one of the project later this year but is re-evaluating future phases.

Microsoft has three sites at the locale; the 215-acre phase-one site, a 791-acre site and a 115-acre site. Earthworks and preconstruction at the latter two sites listed were subject to the announced pause.

In a statement to Wisconsin Public Radio, the company said it will, “evaluate scope and recent changes in technology and consider how this might impact the design of our facilities.”

A spokesperson for Mount Pleasant said the company was pausing to consider new centre designs. Microsoft said the re-evaluation process will last months, after which it will meet with Wisconsin and municipal officials on its new path forward.

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Despite the recess, Microsoft said it still planned to spend the committed $3.3 billion at the site by 2026. The project was first announced in May last year, and construction started shortly thereafter. US-based Walsch Construction is the project’s general contractor.

Microsoft was granted the right to develop up to 1,000 acres (and owns around 1,900 in Mount Pleasant) at the site, which was originally occupied by Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn.