OU looking to create data center on campus

Oakland College advantages from open area and entry to an influence supply to lure a personal accomplice to construct a brand new information middle.

“The chance is for us as a result of we have now a DTE substation on our campus and that substation 26-megawatt capability has out there, so we have now constructed that Activum into our campus,” mentioned Steven Mackey, vice-president for finance and administration …

An information middle homes the infrastructure that’s wanted to construct, carry out and ship software program purposes and companies, and to retailer the related information.

“The brand new information middle would supply potential for good campus expertise, synthetic intelligence analysis, experimental and digital studying, jobs for college kids and the native economic system,” Mackey mentioned.

Based on information centermaps.com there are 53 information facilities in Michigan; 26 within the Detroit space.

The 26-megawatt represents the overall energy capability for the substation, which ought to have energy to run and funky gear and different supporting infrastructure.

The brand new construction can be in-built parking 35, on the southwest of the campus subsequent to the substation. It might embody room to relocate the present information middle of his science advanced, in order that the college can increase its analysis area and the brand new synthetic intelligence institute.

OU has obtained curiosity from 32 firms, Mackey mentioned.

For comparability, superior information facilities constructed a brand new 114,000 sq. ft facility in Kansas Metropolis in 2025 with 26-megawatt electrical energy availability that prices greater than $ 140 million.

Mackey mentioned that OU works with the Brailsford and Dunlavey consultancy, who will consider the proposals and make suggestions on the college.

OU will choose an organization in August, full a marketing strategy, carry out the agreements and current the Board of Administrators a proposal throughout their October assembly.

Initially printed: July 1, 2025 at 3.17 pm Edt