Applied Digital outlines proposed 280-megawatt data center near Harwood, cites $3 billion cost and 200–250 onsite jobs

Nick Phillips of Applied Digital introduced himself to the Cass County Board of Commissioners Dec. 2 and provided an overview of the company's work in North Dakota and details of a proposed new facility near Harwood.

Phillips said the Harwood-area project would be a 280-megawatt facility: about 200 megawatts for computing and 80 megawatts to support cooling and other equipment. He said the total development cost is about $3,000,000,000, that the campus would employ roughly 200 to 250 full-time on-site workers (not including remote workers), and that the facility footprint would include about 160 acres for the buildings plus additional acreage for an electrical substation. Phillips said the development would comprise two buildings of about 907,000 square feet each; he said the first building is expected to be operational next year and the second the following year.

Phillips noted that Applied Digital has an existing campus in Ellendale and a smaller campus near Jamestown, which he described as north of the airport along Highway 20 and adjacent to an existing 106-megawatt substation. County commissioners asked location and project questions; Phillips said he remained available to meet with county staff and the City of Harwood as project details progress.

No formal county action or vote took place during the presentation; commissioners said they would work with the City of Harwood and county staff to address issues within the county's jurisdiction when needed.

Ending: Phillips said he was available to answer further questions; county staff and the City of Harwood will continue follow-up as needed.