Developers pitch $10B Michigan data center amid moratorium

Developers have unveiled plans for a $10 billion data center south of Lansing, Michigan, while a one-year moratorium remains in place - and township officials say they learned about the proposal alongside the media.

The proposed 700-megawatt facility would occupy 423 acres in the Holt Economic Opportunity Park off College Road in Delhi Township. Township trustees approved a one-year moratorium on data center review in April.

Bob Trezise, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), and Gary Dorris and Paul Saferstein, co-founders of Colorado-based Lighthouse Sustainability, announced the proposal yesterday (27 October).

LEAP holds an option to buy the property and has secured a $6.5 million state grant for site readiness work. However, it has not filed an application, and no end user has been identified.

Community discussions before an application

LEAP and Lighthouse said they would "respect the moratorium" and concentrate on community engagement over the site's potential development.

The companies said residents would have opportunities to review studies, question the project team and offer input before the Township is asked to formally consider a proposal.

"We have to approach economic development in our communities differently for larger projects. We have to adapt as a profession, and develop new ways to directly and first interact with people, to develop a healthy space for conversation, to be better at creating mutually beneficial and acceptable large projects together" said Trezise.

The developers are expected to use the remaining months of the moratorium to assess community support before moving to the next step and seeking a developer to partner with.

Energy plans and community pledges

Lighthouse's proposal pairs renewable energy and battery storage with a cooling system that recirculates water. The companies said site planning would "focus on protecting water resources, wetlands, and green space".

If the project proceeds, the developers pledged to fund a no-cost residential solar and battery storage program. They estimate it would reduce participating homeowners' energy costs by 50%.

Lighthouse also promised a $20 million community fund for the Delhi community, in addition to the increased tax revenue the project is expected to generate.

Delhi Township Manager Tracy Miller said in a statement that township officials had not discussed the project with LEAP and Lighthouse.

"The Township is learning about the LEAP/Lighthouse Sustainability announcement at the same time as members of the media", Miller said.

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