GFDA announces $1 billion proposed data center project – Project Cardinal

A 2 million-square-foot “hyperscale data center campus” is proposed in Great Falls.

Ardent TAC Data Centers, an Atlanta-based company, is proposing an investment of $1 billion to $1.5 billion on a 569-acre site adjacent to the AgriTech Park.

Brett Doney, GFDA’s president, told The Electric that there’s “growth in demand for data center services” and Great Falls is “uniquely well positioned” for such projects with energy providers ready and willing to provide power.

According to Ardent and GFDA, the project will create an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 construction jobs and 150-200 permanent positions.

Ardent is requesting 500-600 megawatts critical load from NorthWestern and other power generation sources with two planned onsite substations, one owned by Ardent, the other owned by the power company.

With the number of jobs the project is estimating, Doney said there’s time to develop training programs with local schools for future employees.