Applied Digital, an AI data center developer, has ordered 1.2 GW of gas-fired industrial boiler-powered steam turbines for a data center under construction in North Dakota, with plans for two more similar facilities. The company signed a $2.4 billion design/build agreement with independent power producer Base Electron, with the first facility expected to be operational by late 2028. This move aims to address the multi-year lead times for gas turbine deliveries (current orders may not be delivered until 2032), whereas boilers and steam turbines can be delivered within a year.