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North Dakota Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across North Dakota — updated daily.
Recent North Dakota data center news
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Lawmakers Scrutinize Power Sector’s Future as Surging Demand Raises Alarms
US-based Basin Electric Power Cooperative has raised concerns in Congress regarding the escalating demand for electricity, specifically noting a significant increase tied to AI-driven data centers and industrial loads. They estimate a need for nearly $10 billion in compliance costs due to new regulations alongside an expected 60% increase in rates by 2035. The demand for natural gas is projected to triple from 2024 to 2030, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced natural gas infrastructure to maintain grid reliability. Furthermore, PJM Interconnection’s forecasts predict a summer peak demand of up to 220,000 MW by 2039, driven by demand from emerging technologies and manufacturing.
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Losing construction sectors under Trump
The Trump administration’s energy policies have left the wind and solar sectors essentially unsupported, as a significant executive order temporarily suspended new leases for wind projects. This decision affects the development of ongoing and future renewable projects in the U.S. Additionally, the administration indicated potential cuts in funding for EV infrastructure, voicing plans to rescind the electric vehicle mandate established by Biden.
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National Grid Renewables Announces Start of Operations at Two Solar Projects in Southern Minnesota
US-based National Grid Renewables has announced the start of operations at its Fillmore County Solar (45 MW) and Louise Solar (50 MW) projects, which are located in Southern Minnesota. Together, these projects will deliver a combined 95 megawatts of clean, homegrown solar power. Xcel Energy has executed power purchase agreements for both projects, contributing to Xcel’s commitment to deliver 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. The projects are anticipated to avoid more than 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over their first 20 years of operation.
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Data center, crypto operations in 10 states drive all US commercial power sales growth since 2019: EIA
Data centers in 10 states led 1% growth in US commercial electricity sales since 2019, per the EIA. Virginia, Texas, South Carolina, and Arizona saw significant demand growth, while North Dakota had the highest at 37%. The agency predicts a 3% increase in 2022 sales, influenced by large-scale computing facilities and crypto operations.
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Commercial electricity demand grew fastest in states with rapid computing facility growth
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MISO faces capacity shortfall next summer in northern, central regions, annual survey finds
MISO faces a capacity shortfall in northern and central regions next summer, prompting immediate action to address new capacity needs. MISO CEO John Bear stresses collaboration with state regulators is essential. Reports suggest insufficient power supply levels, with risks from rapid power plant retirements. Upsides include potential for new capacity.