Applied Digital Corporation Invests $75 Million in North Dakota Power

Applied Digital Corporation is investing $75 million to construct an electrical substation and high-voltage powerline to support Polaris Forge II, a $3 billion AI facility near Harwood, North Dakota. The project requires approximately 280 megawatts of power and is designed to ensure that existing utility customers do not bear the cost of necessary grid upgrades.

Minnkota Power Cooperative will own and operate the new infrastructure, while the Cass County Electric Cooperative will provide electricity to the site. The North Dakota Public Service Commission has scheduled a public hearing in Fargo for April 2 to review the power project.

Despite the investment, the company faces regional opposition. The Oliver County Commission recently enacted a 180-day moratorium on data centers, and Mercer County passed a one-year moratorium. These local governments cited resident concerns regarding water usage, noise pollution, and rising electricity rates as primary drivers for the restrictions.