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
