Data Center Developer Looks West Applied Digital, a data center developer, is investing $75 million in power system upgrades in eastern North Dakota as part of its plans to expand operations into the western part of the state. The company will fund the construction of an electrical substation and high-voltage powerline necessary for its new data center project located near Interstate 29, between Fargo and Harwood. The project involves collaboration with Minnkota Power Cooperative, which will own and operate the new infrastructure. A representative from Minnkota highlighted the significance of the investment, stating that the upgrades will provide substantial benefits to the regional power grid and other customers. Ben Fladhammer, a Minnkota spokesperson, emphasized that the infrastructure improvements will support the southern Red River Valley, enhancing reliability and capacity for the area’s energy needs. The initiative reflects Applied Digital’s strategic focus on leveraging North Dakota’s abundant renewable energy resources and its growing demand for data storage and processing capabilities. The company’s expansion plans align with broader trends in the tech industry, where data centers are increasingly relying on remote, energy-efficient locations to meet rising computational demands. The power upgrades are expected to address potential bottlenecks in the existing grid, ensuring that the data center can operate efficiently while also contributing to the stability of the regional electricity network. This development underscores the intersection of technological growth and infrastructure investment, highlighting how advancements in data infrastructure can drive economic and energy sector progress.#data_center #interstate_29 #applied_digital #minnkota_power_cooperative #north_dakota
Data center developer looks west, backs power upgrades near Fargo Applied Digital, a data center developer, is investing $75 million in power system upgrades in eastern North Dakota as it expands operations into the western part of the state. The company is funding the construction of an electrical substation and high-voltage powerline required for its data center near Interstate 29 between Fargo and Harwood. Minnkota Power Cooperative, which will own and operate the new facilities, stated that Applied Digital’s investment benefits the regional power grid and other customers. Ben Fladhammer, a Minnkota spokesperson, noted that the infrastructure provides significant advantages to the southern Red River Valley. A Public Service Commission hearing on the power project is scheduled for April 2 in Fargo. Applied Digital has not commented on the project or the hearing. Meanwhile, the company held an informational meeting in Center, Oliver County, about an expansion there. Following the meeting, the Oliver County Commission voted to impose an 180-day moratorium on data centers while developing regulations for their placement. Some residents advocated for a longer moratorium, up to three years. Data centers have faced criticism for noise pollution, excessive water use, and high electricity consumption, which has raised concerns among residents. Mike Berg, a farmer in Mercer County, supports moratoriums to allow time for planning and safeguards for both residents and industry. A public meeting on Basin Electric’s River Run Energy Center is set for March 30 in the Stanton Civic Center. Applied Digital’s initial projects in North Dakota were air-cooled facilities for cryptocurrency mining at Ellendale and Jamestown.#applied_digital #minnkota_power_cooperative #fargo #oliver_county #harwood
