Applied Digital Builds $3 Billion AI Center in North Dakota

Applied Digital is constructing a $3 billion artificial intelligence data center, known as Polaris Forge 2, in Harwood, North Dakota. The facility comprises two 907,000-square-foot buildings and is being developed by a workforce of approximately 1,800 people. The 280-megawatt center will utilize electricity from Cass County Electric, supported by a $112 million investment from Applied Digital for substation and transmission upgrades.

The project is scheduled to be partially operational by the end of 2026, with full completion expected in early 2027. The company anticipates becoming the largest single taxpayer in the state by 2029. To manage environmental impact, the facility features a closed-loop cooling system to minimize water usage, and the company is employing augmented reality technology to monitor construction progress.

While the Harwood City Council approved the project on September 10, 2025, the development has faced protests from local residents concerned about potential increases in electricity costs. Applied Digital has not disclosed which specific companies will occupy the center.