DPO AI computing center (Wisconsin Rapids) - cancelled
Also called: Digital Power Optimization Wisconsin Rapids
In early 2025 DPO announced a $200 million AI computing center on land leased from the local power company. In July 2025 the company cancelled. The mayor said DPO reserves land and power and then cancels if no customer signs up.
Where things stand: The company dropped the plan in July 2025, saying the site did not fit its plans.
🕒 Latest update (July 2025): DPO told the city the site was not suitable and it would not go ahead.
What we know
- 📍 WhereOn land owned by Consolidated Water Power Company near the old Verso mill, Wisconsin Rapids, Wood County
- 🏢 CompanyDigital Power Optimization, Inc. (DPO)
- 🌳 Size6 acres
- ⚡ Power it needs20 megawatts (about as much as 16,000 homes)
- 🔌 Where the power comes fromPower from Consolidated Water Power Company, which has hydroelectric dams
- 🗼 New power linesNo
- 💵 Cost$200 million
- 👷 Jobs promised20
What happened so far
- Jan 30, 2025DPO announced a $200 million, 20-megawatt AI computing center in Wisconsin Rapids.
- July 2025DPO told the city the site was not suitable and it would not go ahead.
Local votes and rules
⏸️ Pause on new data centers
Wisconsin Rapids approved a 12-month pause on new data center projects, citing health, safety and fairness to people who pay power bills. It does not apply to the paper mill application already filed.
✋ Turned down
After a public hearing, the Wisconsin Rapids Planning Commission voted 7-0 against the special permit for the data center planned at the old paper mill (950 Fourth Ave. N.). The Common Council can take final action on October 20, 2026.
📜 Data center rules
Wisconsin Rapids unanimously added data center rules to its zoning code. Data centers need a special permit, can only go in the heavy industrial (M-2) district, and must be at least 400 feet from homes. They also need the power company's OK and must follow water rules.
An aerial photo of the area.
Where this comes from
- $200 million AI data center coming to Wisconsin Rapids · WSAW · Jan 30, 2025
- Multimillion Dollar Computing Facility No Longer Coming to Wisconsin Rapids · Central Wisconsin Broadcasting · July 24, 2025
- Wisconsin Rapids Data Center Plans Cancelled · WFHR · July 28, 2025
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