Alphabet has begun operating its Project Cannoli data‑center in Van Buren Township, Wayne County, Michigan. The 130‑acre campus will house five buildings totaling more than 800,000 sq ft and will provide 1 GW of computing capacity, positioning the company to meet growing demand for AI and cloud workloads in the United States.
The facility will be powered by long‑term renewable‑energy contracts and advanced battery‑storage systems. Google has secured agreements that will add 2.7 GW of clean energy to the Michigan grid, including solar generation and battery storage that will help smooth supply and reduce carbon intensity. In addition, the company is dedicating $10 million to an Energy Impact Fund that will lower utility costs for Michigan residents, underscoring its commitment to local community benefits.
Project Cannoli is part of Alphabet’s broader $25 billion U.S. AI and data‑center expansion announced earlier this year, and it complements the company’s $40 billion investment in Texas and the $4.75 billion acquisition of clean‑energy developer Intersect. These moves reinforce Alphabet’s strategy to secure reliable, carbon‑free power for its AI platforms and cloud services, a key driver of its long‑term growth and competitive positioning against rivals such as Microsoft and Amazon.
Local residents have expressed concerns about the project’s water usage, which is estimated at 2 to 3.6 million gallons per day for cooling. The project has undergone public review, and community groups have highlighted the potential strain on the Great Lakes Water Authority system. Alphabet has stated it will work with local authorities to address these concerns and ensure sustainable water management.
Sundar Pichai said, "Intersect will help us expand capacity, operate more nimbly in building new power generation in lockstep with new data center load, and reimagine energy solutions to drive US innovation and leadership." The quote reflects Alphabet’s focus on aligning energy infrastructure with data‑center growth to maintain a competitive edge in AI and cloud services.
By adding a large, renewable‑powered data‑center footprint in Michigan, Alphabet strengthens its ability to deliver AI‑driven services while reducing its carbon footprint. The project also signals the company’s continued investment in U.S. infrastructure, reinforcing its leadership in the rapidly expanding AI market and supporting its 2030 net‑zero target.
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