Construction Kicks Off for $3 Billion AI Data Center Near Fargo

Construction officially commenced on a significant artificial intelligence data center valued at $3 billion located north of Fargo, North Dakota. Crews began breaking ground for the Polaris Forge 2 facility on September 15, 2023, near the North Softball Complex. The project, operated by Applied Digital, will occupy 160 acres of land and is designed to support a 280-megawatt facility, strategically positioned between Harwood and Fargo, east of Interstate 29.

The Harwood City Council authorized the construction on September 10, 2023, after a series of public hearings and local discussions. Applied Digital’s leaders indicated that the center is expected to create over 200 jobs and significantly enhance tax revenue for the city once it opens in 2027. According to Wes Cummins, Chairman and CEO of Applied Digital, the site offers an optimal location due to its robust electrical grid and favorable climate, which would enable more efficient cooling compared to facilities in warmer regions.

While many local officials and residents support the project, it has faced opposition. Critics have raised concerns regarding the speed of the approval process and the potential local impacts of the facility. During a town hall meeting held by Applied Digital, community members voiced their opinions, with some expressing strong disapproval. Despite the protests, Mayor Blake Hankey stated that the majority of opposition arose from individuals outside Harwood, asserting that most local residents favor the center’s development.

At a special City Council meeting, held shortly after the town hall, residents requested a delay on the final vote regarding the site’s rezoning from agricultural to light industrial use. The City Council, however, did not entertain public comments during this meeting and proceeded to unanimously approve the rezoning, thereby granting Applied Digital the necessary building permit to begin construction.

Applied Digital is also developing a similar facility in Ellendale, North Dakota, as part of its expansion in the region. The company’s commitment to establishing data centers in North Dakota reflects the growing interest in the state as a hub for technology and innovation, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.

With the groundbreaking now complete, all eyes will be on the development of Polaris Forge 2, as the community engages with both its promises and challenges in the years to come.