Applied Digital plans to build a $3 billion, 280-megawatt hyperscale AI data center near Harwood, North Dakota, a small town north of Fargo. Groundbreaking is scheduled for September 2024, with operations beginning in 2026 and full capacity reached by 2027.
The 900-acre campus will be powered by Cass County Electric Cooperative and Minnkota Power Cooperative. While the project is expected to create over 200 jobs, some local residents have voiced concerns about lack of public input and potential impact on land use. The project's location near the Fargo-Moorhead metro area offers more housing options than other rural North Dakota locations.
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong and other officials celebrated the project as a boost to the state's economy and its positioning as a leader in AI infrastructure. Applied Digital highlights North Dakota's favorable regulatory environment and climate as key factors in its decision. The company emphasizes the project's potential to create long-term economic opportunities and strengthen communities.
Concerns have been raised by local residents regarding the lack of public discourse and zoning processes prior to the groundbreaking announcement. A town hall meeting is planned to address these concerns. Applied Digital and the power cooperatives involved maintain that the project won't significantly increase electricity rates for consumers.