Applied Digital Corp. announced the groundbreaking of its Delta Forge 1 AI Factory campus, a 430‑megawatt facility that will occupy more than 500 acres in a southern U.S. state. The campus will initially consist of two 150‑MW buildings and is designed to support up to 300 MW of critical IT load, with the capacity to scale further in 2028 and beyond.
The new campus will employ Applied Digital’s proprietary waterless cooling system and high‑density design, the same technology that has proven successful at its North Dakota Polaris Forge sites. The waterless approach reduces water consumption by more than 90 % compared to conventional data‑center cooling, while the high‑density layout allows the facility to deliver power at 10 kW per square foot—well above the industry average.
Construction of Delta Forge 1 is expected to create more than 200 full‑time jobs and a range of long‑term contractor opportunities, positioning the site as a significant economic driver for the region. The company estimates that the campus will be operational by mid‑2027, with a projected start‑up cost of $1.2 billion.
The project marks a key step in Applied Digital’s transition from a crypto‑hosting business to a dedicated AI infrastructure operator. By replicating its proven AI‑factory model in a new market, the company is expanding its footprint in the rapidly growing AI data‑center sector and reinforcing its competitive advantage in a power‑scarce environment.
"Delta Forge 1 represents the next stage of Applied Digital’s growth, as we continue to deliver AI infrastructure through disciplined execution,” said Wes Cummins, Chairman and CEO. “AI Factories succeed or fail based on how effectively power, cooling and operations are integrated. We believe this campus will be built to scale alongside hyperscale demand while delivering operational certainty for customers and lasting value for the communities where we operate.”
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.