North Dakota is seeing growth in data-center development, driven largely by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and high-performance computing. Several projects are proposed/planned or under development, including projects near Center and Mandan that could have an impact on the Bismarck-Mandan area.
Data Center Near Center, North Dakota
Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) has entered into an agreement with Applied Digital to provide electricity for a proposed data center near Center, northwest of Bismarck. MDU has filed a request with the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) for approval to extend electrical service to the project.
Applied Digital's latest SEC filing identifies Polaris Forge 3 as a 300-megawatt critical IT-load data center campus in its northern U.S. region, with deliveries expected to begin in the second half of 2027 and continue through 2028.
Development Near Mandan
A separate Stark Power data center and natural-gas generation project has been proposed north of I-94 between Highway 1806 and Old Red Trail. The project remains in the planning phase, with local officials developing data-center regulations before a formal zoning application can move forward.
Morton County adopted its final data-center standards in September 2026, addressing requirements for the development and operation of these facilities.
Why It Matters to Real Estate
Large technology and energy projects can bring construction activity, employment, infrastructure investment and additional demand for housing and services. At the same time, the effect can vary considerably depending on a property's location and proximity to a project.
For buyers and sellers, understanding planned development, zoning, infrastructure and future land use can be an important part of evaluating a property.
How Can You Verify the Information?
Because these projects can change as they move through regulatory and local approval processes, the best way to follow them is through the original sources:
North Dakota Public Service Commission: Search PU-26-235 and other utility cases through the PSC Case Search.
Applied Digital: Company SEC filings provide information about its North Dakota data-center projects, including Polaris Forge 3.
Morton County: The County's Data Center and Cryptocurrency Standards provide information about local regulations and the approval process.
North Dakota Monitor: Provides ongoing local reporting about the Center and Mandan projects.
How Can Residents Make Their Voice Heard?
Residents who have questions or opinions about proposed data centers can participate directly in the public process.
Depending on the project's location, residents can:
Submit comments or follow proceedings with the North Dakota Public Service Commission, including Case PU-26-235 involving the proposed Center-area project.
Attend Mandan Planning & Zoning Commission or City Commission meetings and provide public comment when the applicable project or ordinance is on the agenda.
Participate in Morton County Planning & Zoning and County Commission meetings for projects located in the county outside incorporated cities.
Contact elected officials and planning staff directly with specific questions or concerns.
Review proposed ordinances, meeting agendas, staff reports and project filings before submitting comments.
The most effective comments are generally specific and fact-based. Residents may wish to address issues such as location, setbacks, noise, water use, electricity demand, traffic, emergency services, infrastructure, property values and compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods.
Public participation matters because local governments and regulatory agencies consider public input as projects and regulations move through the approval process. Mandan, for example, has already revised portions of its proposed data-center regulations in response to public comments.
Before contacting an agency, check the current meeting agenda or docket to make sure you are directing your comments to the government body that has authority over the particular project.