Bit Digital Opens 200MW AI Data Center in NC

In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries at breakneck speed, Bit Digital’s recent land grab in North Carolina is sending shockwaves through the tech sector. Announced on June 2, 2025, the company’s AI-focused subsidiary, WhiteFiber Inc., has acquired a sprawling 96-acre industrial property in North Carolina, marking a bold pivot from Bitcoin mining to next-generation high-performance computing (HPC) and AI infrastructure[1][2]. With a footprint of roughly one million square feet and the potential to support up to 200 megawatts of power, this site is poised to become a linchpin in America’s AI data center landscape—potentially unlocking a $1 billion tech hub in the heart of the Tar Heel State.

But why North Carolina? And why now? As someone who’s followed the AI industry for years, I can tell you: this is more than just another data center deal. It’s a strategic bet on the future of AI, fueled by a convergence of cheap land, abundant energy, and a business-friendly climate. Let’s unpack what makes this project a game-changer—and what it means for the broader AI ecosystem.

The Deal: From Bitcoin to AI

Bit Digital, once known primarily for its Bitcoin mining operations, has been quietly reinventing itself as a major player in AI infrastructure. The company’s Canadian subsidiary, Enovum Data Centers Corp., inked the initial deal to acquire the property in Madison, North Carolina, from Unifi Manufacturing for $53.2 million in April 2024[3]. After some final adjustments, the transaction was officially completed on May 20, 2025, for a revised price of $45 million, according to recent filings[4]. The site, previously a textile manufacturing facility, now stands ready for a high-tech transformation.

What’s fascinating is the speed and scale of Bit Digital’s pivot. The company has stopped publishing monthly Bitcoin mining updates since February 2025, signaling a clear shift in focus[3]. Instead, it’s pouring resources into building out its WhiteFiber platform, which is designed to support AI workloads—everything from deep learning model training to generative AI applications.

The North Carolina Advantage

North Carolina has emerged as a magnet for data center developers, thanks to its competitive energy rates, robust infrastructure, and business-friendly policies. The state’s power grid is among the most reliable in the country, and its regulatory environment is welcoming to large-scale industrial projects. For Bit Digital, this means access to up to 200 megawatts of electricity—enough to power a small city—at a fraction of the cost compared to more congested markets like Northern Virginia or Silicon Valley.

The acquired property is not just big—it’s massive. At nearly one million square feet, it offers ample room for expansion and customization. This is crucial for AI data centers, which require not only vast amounts of power but also sophisticated cooling systems and redundant infrastructure to ensure uptime and reliability. Bit Digital has already secured a 5-megawatt colocation agreement with generative AI firm Cerebras Systems, and its separate Tier 3 facility in Québec is being retrofitted to meet similar demands[3].

The AI Data Center Boom

Let’s face it: AI is hungry for power and space. Training large language models (LLMs) and running generative AI workloads can consume as much energy as a small town. According to industry estimates, a single AI data center can require tens or even hundreds of megawatts, depending on the scale of operations. This has led to a gold rush for suitable sites, with companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon snapping up properties across the country.

Bit Digital’s move is part of a broader trend. The company is positioning itself as a key enabler of the AI revolution, providing the physical infrastructure that underpins everything from autonomous vehicles to advanced medical research. Its North Carolina site is designed to be a flagship facility, capable of supporting a wide range of AI workloads and attracting top-tier tenants.

Real-World Applications and Partnerships

The implications of this deal extend far beyond real estate. By securing a major data center site, Bit Digital is laying the groundwork for partnerships with leading AI companies. The Cerebras colocation deal is just the beginning. The site’s capacity and flexibility make it an ideal home for everything from LLM training to computer vision and natural language processing.

Interestingly enough, the site’s previous life as a textile factory adds a layer of industrial grit to its high-tech future. It’s a reminder that the AI revolution isn’t just happening in gleaming glass towers—it’s taking root in the heartland of American manufacturing.

Future Implications and Industry Perspectives

What does this mean for the future of AI? For starters, it signals a maturation of the industry. As AI workloads become more demanding, companies are investing in purpose-built infrastructure to keep pace. Bit Digital’s pivot is a textbook example of how nimble firms can adapt to changing market conditions.

Industry experts are watching closely. “The expectation from an AI expert is to know how to develop something that doesn’t exist,” says Vered Dassa Levy, Global VP of HR at Autobrains[5]. “Companies retain AI experts by any means possible, especially given the high demand that exceeds the existing supply.” This talent crunch is driving the need for world-class infrastructure, where cutting-edge research and development can thrive.

Comparing AI Data Center Hubs

Here’s a quick look at how Bit Digital’s North Carolina site stacks up against other major AI data center hubs in the U.S.:

Bit Digital’s site may not rival the sheer scale of Northern Virginia—yet—but its strategic focus on AI and flexible infrastructure gives it a unique edge.

The Human Side of AI Infrastructure

As someone who’s visited more than a few data centers, I can tell you: these facilities are the unsung heroes of the AI revolution. They’re where the magic happens—where terabytes of data are crunched, models are trained, and breakthroughs are born. But behind every server rack is a team of engineers, technicians, and AI experts working tirelessly to keep the lights on and the algorithms humming.

The demand for skilled talent is intense. Companies like Bit Digital are competing for the best and brightest, offering not just competitive salaries but also the chance to work on the cutting edge of AI. It’s a seller’s market for AI expertise, and infrastructure like the North Carolina site is a major selling point.

Looking Ahead: The $1B Tech Hub Vision

Bit Digital’s ambition is clear: to transform its North Carolina property into a $1 billion tech hub. With the right mix of tenants, partnerships, and infrastructure, this is more than possible—it’s probable. The site’s scale and flexibility make it an attractive destination for AI startups, established tech giants, and everything in between.

The broader implications are profound. As AI becomes increasingly central to the global economy, the ability to provide reliable, scalable infrastructure will be a key differentiator. Bit Digital’s bet on North Carolina is a bet on the future of AI itself.

Conclusion: A New Era for AI Infrastructure

Bit Digital’s acquisition of a massive North Carolina industrial property is more than a real estate deal—it’s a watershed moment for the AI industry. By securing up to 200 megawatts of power and nearly one million square feet of space, the company is positioning itself as a critical enabler of the next wave of AI innovation. With partnerships already in place and a clear vision for the future, Bit Digital is set to play a leading role in the AI data center boom.

As the industry grapples with the challenges of power, space, and talent, projects like this offer a glimpse of what’s possible. The North Carolina site is not just a data center—it’s a cornerstone of the AI revolution, and a testament to the transformative power of bold, forward-thinking investment.

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