The demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure is soaring, pushing hyperscalers and cloud providers to seek massive, rapidly deployable data center capacity. In this landscape, the ability to deliver power and space quickly is a necessity. Applied Digital, a leader in data center development, is meeting this critical need head-on, empowering the next wave of AI innovation with purpose-built facilities designed for speed, scale, and efficiency.
Powering Next-Gen AI at Polaris Forge 2
Applied Digital announced a lease agreement with a U.S.-based Investment Grade Hyperscaler at its Polaris Forge 2 campus in Harwood, N.D. The approximate 15-year lease represents $5 billion in total contracted revenue and covers 200 megawatts (MW) of critical IT capacity, specifically engineered to support advanced AI and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure.
This commitment highlights Applied Digital’s role in providing the essential facilities for real-world AI practices. The hyperscaler also holds a first right of refusal for an additional 800 MW, paving the way for the full 1-gigawatt (GW) expansion of the campus.
This new agreement brings Applied Digital’s total leased capacity across its North Dakota Polaris Forge 1 & 2 campuses to 600 MW, with two of the world’s largest hyperscalers, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-scaling builders of AI infrastructure in the United States.
Unrivaled Execution and Innovative Design
“What sets us apart isn’t just the size of our pipeline, it’s how fast we can deliver,” said Wes Cummins, Chairman and CEO of Applied Digital. This philosophy is evident in the company’s execution. The Polaris Forge 2 campus, spanning over 900 acres, is engineered for best-in-class efficiency, boasting a projected Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.18 and near-zero water consumption. This commitment to sustainable performance, combined with proprietary designs optimized for power density and liquid cooling, reflects Applied Digital’s “Different by Design” approach. The initial 200 MW are phased across two buildings, with operations expected to commence in 2026 and reach full capacity in 2027. This rapid deployment capability will directly address the urgent demand for specialized space and power, enabling hyperscalers to accelerate their AI initiatives without delay.
A Proven Track Record of Accelerated Growth
This monumental agreement builds on Applied Digital’s unmatched record of growth and strategic partnerships. Notable recent achievements include an additional 150 MW lease with CoreWeave at its Polaris Forge 1 Campus and a $5 billion AI infrastructure partnership with Macquarie Asset Management. The company’s rapid expansion and leadership in digital infrastructure were also recognized when it ranked at the top of the Dallas Business Journal’s Fast 50. These milestones reinforce Applied Digital’s momentum and its prominent standing at the forefront of the AI and data center industries.
Applied Digital’s “AI Factories” are purpose-built ecosystems designed to redefine how hyperscale infrastructure is developed and deployed. By focusing on speed, efficiency, and responsible design, Applied Digital continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to powering the intelligence era from the heartland.
Learn more about Applied Digital and its Polaris Forge facilities in North Dakota here.
