Applied Digital taps Montana-Dakota Utilities for 430-megawatt AI site
A new electric service agreement between Montana-Dakota Utilities and Applied Digital sets the stage for a massive AI factory in Center, North Dakota. The project, dubbed Polaris Forge 3, aims to draw 430 megawatts of power to support high-density computing workloads once operations begin in August 2027.
The deal requires approval from the North Dakota Public Service Commission before power delivery can commence. Under the terms, Applied Digital will shoulder the costs of sourcing energy directly from the market or via alternative arrangements. The company has already secured a 15-year lease for the site with a high investment-grade hyperscaler, signaling long-term commitment to the region.
Applied Digital CEO Wes Cummins expects the facility to generate 200 full-time jobs and provide a significant boost to the local tax base in Oliver County. This expansion builds on the existing partnership between the two firms at the Polaris Forge 1 site near Ellendale, which has previously returned $38.4 million in credits to North Dakota utility customers. MDU Resources CEO Nicole Kivisto noted that the project underscores North Dakota's rising profile as a hub for large-scale energy users.
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