Applied Digital Just Solved AI's Biggest Bottleneck with Technology From the 1800s

Core Insights - Applied Digital reported a remarkable 250% year-over-year revenue growth in Q2 of fiscal 2026, reaching $126.6 million, driven by surging demand for AI data centers [1] - The company has initiated the first 100 MW of AI computing capacity at its Polaris Forge 1 campus, with plans to expand to 400 MW for CoreWeave and has signed a 15-year lease for an additional 200 MW at Polaris Forge 2, projected to generate around $5 billion in revenue [2] Industry Challenges - The AI industry is facing a significant bottleneck in power generation, as AI data centers require vast amounts of electricity, which the current electric grid cannot support [3] - Major tech companies are exploring alternative power sources, including nuclear energy, but establishing new nuclear capacity will take years [4] - Gas turbines are being considered as a solution, but there is a severe shortage of these turbines, with new facilities not expected to come online until 2032 [6] Applied Digital's Strategy - Applied Digital aims to increase its capacity to 5 gigawatts over the next five years and is in advanced discussions for an additional 900 MW, but needs to address its power generation issues [7] - The company has partnered with Babcock & Wilcox to deliver 1 GW of power using steam turbines, which are expected to be operational by 2028, allowing for earlier market entry compared to traditional gas turbines [8][9] - This innovative approach could enable Applied Digital to bring AI data centers online 3 to 4 years ahead of competitors, securing long-term contracts with hyperscalers eager to expand their capacity [11][12]