Understanding Microsoft datacenters in Racine County

Datacenters are part of everyday life

Essential for modern technology, datacenters power everything from online grocery shopping, online banking, and remote work to scheduling medical appointments and staying connected with family and friends. Datacenters also support businesses, hospitals, schools, and governments.

Imagine a building packed with thousands of computer servers and data storage devices, all connected to the internet—that’s a datacenter, working tirelessly to keep our lives connected and efficient.

Datacenters enable innovation and enhance productivity in today’s digital age. Take a virtual step inside or learn more by visiting datacenters.microsoft.com What impact do datacenters have on the local economy? According to research provided by the US Chamber of Commerce , local datacenter infrastructure supports and stimulates the development of datacenter and construction jobs, improves local infrastructure via tax revenue, and bolsters other technology companies that support these projects. Learn key facts about Microsoft’s approach for building and operating datacenters in Wisconsin

Microsoft is proud to have joined the Village of Mount Pleasant community in 2023. We are currently building two datacenters in the Village of Mount Pleasant. Our commitment goes beyond infrastructure—we invest in the communities where we build and operate.

Since joining the community, we’ve:

• Announced a Datacenter Academy partnership with Gateway Technical College to train students in datacenter operations.
• Partnered with Root-Pike WIN on environmental restoration projects, including Lamparek Creek.
• Collaborated with United Way of Racine County and other organizations to support digital skill building, STEM education, and other community needs.

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We believe that companies that can do more, should. That’s why we remain focused on key areas in which technology can and must benefit the future of humanity and our planet.

Aligned with Microsoft’s  global commitments , our  datacenter community pledge is to build and operate digital infrastructure that addresses community challenges and creates local benefits where we operate and where our employees live and work.

We aim to…

• Contribute to a sustainable future
• Advance community prosperity and well-being
• Operate responsibly as a good neighbor

We will design and operate our datacenters to become carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030. Additionally, Microsoft pursues LEED Gold certification for newly built datacenters.

Water

Microsoft is committed to being water positive by 2030. We continue to scale our efforts to reduce water use across our operations, while increasing procurement from alternative sources and investing in innovative replenishment and access projects.

More than 90 percent of the Mount Pleasant facility will rely on a state-of-the-art closed-loop liquid cooling system, filled during construction and recirculated continuously. The remaining portion of the facility will use outside air for cooling, switching to water only on the hottest days, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing operational efficiency. 

The datacenter cooling method for new datacenters is determined during the design phase and incorporates factors like climate, water availability, and what type of servers will be deployed.

When we do use water for cooling, we work with local utilities to make sure there is capacity available for our demands. That might mean investing in necessary infrastructure to support datacenter cooling, such as
water pipes or pumps to maintain required pressure. Microsoft pays for these upgrades.

We take responsibility for sourcing any water we use so our datacenters don’t strain the community’s water supply or raise utility bills.

Energy

Microsoft will procure 100% renewable energy coverage globally by 2025. In Wisconsin, our datacenters will be designed for our backup generators to be powered by a renewable biofuel that reduces net carbon emissions.

We’re also collaborating with National Grid Renewables to build a 250-megawatt solar project in Wisconsin, which is expected to begin operating in 2027. Including our solar project with National Grid Renewables, by 2027 Microsoft expects to have helped add more than 4,000 megawatts of new generating capacity to the wider regional grid. Watch this video to learn how Microsoft datacenters are helping pave the way for a sustainable future

Waste

As part of our zero-waste commitment, we are using circular economy principles in our datacenters by implementing reuse and comprehensive recycling programs.

We will deliver significant local, economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Jobs

By the end of 2026, we project hundreds of full-time employees and contractors will work across our operational facilities in Racine County.

Skilling opportunities

Our Mount Pleasant datacenter campus will include Wisconsin’s first Microsoft Datacenter Academy program, with a simulated datacenter lab for educational training. Microsoft also offers scholarships and internships to support students.

• Build the skills to work at our Microsoft Racine County datacenters
• Understanding Microsoft datacenter jobs in your community

Community investments in Racine County

• With United Way of Racine County, the Equity Through Technology fund supports STEAM-related programs and local nonprofit organizations, schools, and underserved groups in Racine County.
• Wisconsin community investments

Watch this video to learn more about our approach to community investments.

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In all we do, Microsoft strives to be a responsible neighbor.

• We listen, learn, build relationships, and follow through on our commitments. Microsoft collaborates with nonprofits and suppliers who share our commitment to expand opportunities for all.
• And to be a good neighbor, we want to keep you in the loop. Visit our Wisconsin community blog to stay informed.

We’re partnering with Root Pike WIN to fund 10 ecological restoration projects. Our Mount Pleasant datacenter campus intersects with the Lamparek Creek restoration project.

Microsoft and National Grid Renewables will jointly contribute $20 million to a fund for under-resourced communities and those disproportionately affected by pollution.