Applied Digital representative answers potential concerns about massive data center near Harwood, ND

HARWOOD, N.D. (KFGO) – The company behind a massive data center project near Harwood north of Fargo is answering questions about how the complex will impact the community and surrounding area.

Texas-based Applied Digital is planning a $3-billion complex for “Polaris Forge 2,” which would include two 900,000 square foot buildings to house the banks of computers owned by tech companies that provide artificial intelligence and other data services.

Applied Digital says it’s expanding in North Dakota because the state has abundant energy, land and a pro-business climate. The company currently operates data centers near Jamestown and Ellendale, North Dakota.

Applied-Digital says electrical upgrades will be needed for the data center. Cass County Electric and it’s supplier, Minnkota Power Cooperative say they can meet the demand.

“The first thing to look for is electrical capacity so we look for energy. For Ellendale we were attracted because there’s a lot of stranded wind, for Harwood we’re attracted because because there is available capacity. We will need to see some improvements to the electrical grid but we’ll pay for those so that won’t get covered by other consumers that’ll be at our expense.”  Nick Phillips, Applied Digital Vice-President said.

Phillips says Cass County Electric Cooperative and Minnkota Power Cooperative will be able to make system improvements without affecting the cost of electricity and reliability for other residents and businesses.

“It’s not good for anybody if rates go up, it’s not good for us, it’s not good for Cass County Electric, it’s not good for Minn-Kota and obviously it’s not good for other rate payers. So what I’ve experienced in Jamestown, North Dakota, is rates did not go up from us.” Phillips said.

Phillips says the amount of land purchased will allow it to create buffers to help with noise generated by large fans needed by the data center.

“The noise that we make is primarily contained in the building. These are pre-cast concrete buildings, and so all the computers are inside there so that’s nice and sealed up. There are some fans outside. The good thing about the fans is that when the weather’s cold, the fans don’t need to run, and that’s really when it’s the quietest outside and when you might notice that.” Phillips said.

While water is another concern, Phillips says Applied Digital maintains a closed-loop cooling system and uses very little water.

Construction on the center could begin yet this year. The center would provide 200 jobs along with long-term workers, such as plumbers and electricians.

An informational meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Harwood Community Center.

Nick Phillips appeared on News & Views with Joel Heitkamp Tuesday morning.