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.

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

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 pledge 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.

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

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.

In Wisconsin, our datacenters will use zero-water-evaporated direct-to-chip cooling and direct evaporative cooling.

Zero-water-evaporated direct-to-chip cooling uses a closed-loop system where water remains in the circuit to be reused over time for cooling.

Direct evaporative cooling (DEC) uses zero water when temperatures are below 29.4 degrees Celsius, reducing cooling water use to less than 5% percent of the year. Water from our DEC systems is discharged back to the local wastewater utility treatment plant, following local regulations.

Read more about transforming datacenter water efficiency.

Watch this video about our other datacenters that use water for cooling.

Waste

Microsoft datacenters in Wisconsin and other locations renew zero-waste certification through the UL’s Zero Waste to Landfill program.

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 Central Washington

• 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.