I. THE VISION: WHY PROJECT FLEX?

What is Project Flex?

Project Flex is a next-generation data center campus designed to be a partner to the Lyon Township community, the local utility, and the environment. Unlike “legacy” data centers that simply consume power, Project Flex is a first-of-its-kind facility capable of “flexing” its energy consumption down when the power grid is stressed. This flexible “demand response” helps the grid stay stable and avoids the need for costly new power plants.

“Not all data centers are the same.” How is this project different?

Most data centers are purely energy consumers. Project Flex acts as a “shock absorber” for the local grid.

• Grid Support: It enhances reliability by using on-site batteries to provide relief during peak demand.
• Resource Efficient: It uses approximately 99% less water for cooling than legacy design data centers.
• Quiet & Clean: By prioritizing battery storage over traditional diesel generators, it offers a far quieter day-to-day experience for neighbors, with zero emissions.

II. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC IMPACT

What is the local investment from Project Flex?

At full scale, Verrus™ expects to invest multiple billions of dollars into Lyon Township. This investment brings:

• Stable Tax Revenue: A significant, long-term revenue stream for the Township and local schools. 
• Job Creation: Approximately 210 full-time operational jobs across six buildings.
• Construction Impact: Between 1,500 and 2,000 local union construction jobs over the course of development.
• Local Partnerships: Collaboration with local employment agencies, universities, and trades to ensure residents benefit from these opportunities.

Will Project Flex help with local infrastructure?

Yes. In addition to the broader economic benefits, the project includes significant self-financed improvements that save tax revenue:

• New Hudson Drain: Verrus™ is constructing enhancements to the drain, an improvement the Township would otherwise have to fund.
• Traffic Relief: These drain improvements will accelerate the completion of the local ring road project, which will alleviate traffic congestion along Milford Road and throughout the downtown area.

III. PROTECTING OUR RESOURCES

How much water will this project use?

Very little. While legacy design data center campuses of this size can consume 1.2 billion gallons or more of water annually (200 million per building), Project Flex utilizes a closed-loop cooling system that continuously reuses water.

• 99% Less Water for Cooling: The campus is expected to consume less than 12 million gallons of water per year for all building, cooling, and landscaping uses.
  
• Residential Scale: This total consumption is equal to roughly 130 average U.S. households.
• Low Wastewater: There is virtually no discharge to the sewage system beyond standard office usage (the equivalent of less than 8 average US households).

What will the noise impact be for those nearby?

As verified by a regulatory-compliant noise study, Project Flex will operate within all applicable local and state noise regulations. Going beyond minimum requirements, the project is designed to be a “good neighbor” by eliminating the loudest aspects of traditional data centers:

• Battery Power vs. Diesel: Traditional sites use loud diesel generators for backup; Project Flex prioritizes battery energy storage for our primary back-up, which is far quieter and cleaner.
• Advanced Equipment: We utilize state-of-the-art cooling equipment designed for minimal noise.
• Buffer Zones: Ample setbacks provide significant buffer zones from adjacent properties.

IV. ENERGY & THE POWER GRID

Will this project raise my energy bills?

No. In fact, it is designed to reduce rate pressure. Because Project Flex can reduce its facility power needs during peak stress, DTE does not have to invest as heavily in new generation and transmission upgrades—costs that are typically passed on to residential ratepayers. Verrus™ will also be directly paying for any wiring or other infrastructure upgrades required to service the facility. Furthermore, Verrus™ pays a share of maintaining the existing grid, which benefits all DTE customers.

Will Project Flex strain the energy grid?

No. This capability was recently validated in a study with the National Lab of the Rockies (formerly known at the National Renewable Energy Lab), in collaboration with MISO and Xcel Energy. Using a “digital twin” of the facility, the study confirmed that Project Flex can quickly adjust its power use to support and stabilize the grid during moments of high demand.

V. SAFETY

How are you ensuring the safety of the on-site batteries and equipment?

Safety is a core part of the data center design:

• Each of the six buildings and the overall campus have been developed in coordination with civil engineers and the Lyon Township Fire Department to ensure full, safe access to all areas of the site in case of emergency.
• In addition, the battery units in each building’s equipment yard are completely self-contained and incorporate multiple layers of built-in fire protection and safety mitigation systems designed to prevent, detect, and access incidents quickly and effectively.
• We utilize modern battery technology that is widely recognized for its stability and safety. These systems have undergone rigorous industry testing to ensure they perform safely under all conditions. Furthermore, the batteries are monitored 24/7 to automatically detect and address any issues immediately.

VI. SITE PLANNING & TRANSPARENCY

Is the site zoned appropriately?

Yes. The property has been zoned for industrial use for many years.

• Permitted Use: Local zoning explicitly includes data centers and utility facilities as permitted use.
• No Rezoning Required: The project is being developed within existing rules and requires no variances to the code.
• Public Process: The site plan followed all standard review processes from the Planning Commission in a public meeting.

Who is the team behind the project?

Project Flex brings together a trusted local name and global infrastructure experts:

• Walbridge: The property owner and general contractor, Walbridge, has a long history of successful partnerships and high-quality development within this business park and the Township.
• Verrus™: The data center technology and development company, Verrus™, was founded to reinvent the legacy data center model to serve as a better partner to communities, utilities, and the environment.
  

Will there be a lot of traffic?

Actually, the data center will generate approximately 75% fewer daily trips than what is already approved for this industrial park.

• Low Volume: Long-term traffic is primarily limited to employee passenger vehicles, with no continuous truck or trailer traffic.
• Strategic Access: The main entrance is off South Hill Road, not Milford Road.

What will the project look like when completed?

The project has been designed with an emphasis on aesthetics and enhanced landscaping, incorporating feedback from Township staff and engineers.  The project meets the design standards for industrial zoning per the ordinance and is consistent with the surrounding industrial buildings in the business park. Landscaping exceeds minimum code requirements and integrates well with the surrounding area.