An inside look at the Harwood data center as it nears completion

Applied Digital's Polaris Forge 2 data center in Harwood, North Dakota, is nearing completion, with two 907,000-square-foot buildings set to house AI infrastructure. This $3 billion project, approved by the Harwood City Council on September 10, 2025, represents Applied Digital's third facility in the state, alongside projects in Ellendale and Jamestown. The Forum was granted the first media tour inside the facility, which is expected to begin partial operations by the end of 2026 and full operations in early 2027.

The 280-megawatt data center has drawn criticism and protests from residents concerned about its substantial electricity demand potentially increasing local power costs. David Nehring, Applied Digital's director of local and regional affairs, led the tour, emphasizing the scale of the "small city" like complex. Nick Phillips, executive vice president of public affairs, stated that Applied Digital is investing $112 million in substation and transmission upgrades and maintains that the facility will not raise electrical bills for consumers, citing over $46 million in savings for North and South Dakota customers since the Ellendale project began.

Phillips also highlighted the data center's design features, including a closed-loop cooling system that minimizes water usage to household levels and extensive sound-dampening equipment to reduce noise impact on nearby residents. The company owns 400 acres at the site, with 300 acres developed, and has built its own retention pond.

While the company has not disclosed the occupants, 200 to 250 employees are expected to work at the Harwood center. Applied Digital estimates it will become North Dakota's largest single taxpayer by 2029, though the Harwood facility is not receiving any tax incentives or abatements.