Navigator completes Pre-Feasibility Study for 200 MW AI Data Centre in the United States

Navigator Consulting has completed a Concept Study and Pre-Feasibility Study for a proposed 200 MW AI data centre investment platform in the Midwestern United States.

The investment study was commissioned by a group of international investors evaluating entry into the rapidly expanding North American data centre and AI infrastructure market.

Investing in the Race for Compute

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is generating extraordinary demand for compute capacity and the infrastructure required to support it. Hyperscalers, cloud providers, AI companies and infrastructure investors are committing hundreds of billions of dollars annually to data centres, computing infrastructure, energy systems and related assets.

At the time of Navigator's study, industry estimates indicated approximately US$1.7 trillion in global data centre capital expenditure by 2030, with estimates for total investment required to meet AI driven compute demand reaching several trillion dollars.

This investment cycle is creating significant opportunities for infrastructure investors. It is also increasing competition for the resources required to develop hyperscale and AI data centres: suitable land, reliable electricity, grid connections, fibre connectivity, cooling infrastructure and locations capable of supporting long term expansion.

A 200 MW Data Centre Investment Strategy

Navigator's feasibility study examined the potential development of a phased AI data centre platform reaching approximately 200 MW of capacity over a ten year investment horizon.

The investment concept represented approximately US$1.36 billion in indicative capital expenditure, with capacity developed progressively through successive investment phases.

The Midwestern United States was selected as the focus of the investment study based on a combination of political and regulatory stability, land availability, energy infrastructure, renewable energy resources, grid capacity, fibre connectivity, competitive operating conditions and an established hyperscaler ecosystem.

The region also provides climatic advantages for data centre operations and relatively low exposure to several major categories of natural disaster risk.

Developing the Proof of Concept

Navigator developed the initial investment concept and Proof of Concept Feasibility Study required to determine whether the investor group should proceed towards detailed project development.

The assignment included market analysis, location assessment, investment planning, capital expenditure analysis, financial modelling, energy infrastructure assessment, revenue and profitability modelling, risk analysis and development of a phased market entry strategy.

Particular attention was given to power availability and grid interconnection. AI data centres can require tens or hundreds of megawatts of continuous electricity capacity, making access to reliable and scalable energy infrastructure a fundamental component of data centre investment strategy.

Navigator also developed an initial Phase 1 investment framework covering land acquisition, grid and interconnection requirements, expandable substation and power infrastructure, permitting, site preparation and development contingencies.

Building an Investment Platform

Rather than treating the project as a single data centre development, the feasibility study examined the creation of a scalable investment platform.

The proposed strategy begins with an infrastructure intensive first phase focused on securing the critical foundations for development, including land, approvals, grid access and core infrastructure. Subsequent phases progressively expand capacity as power, financing and market demand are secured.

The resulting investment study provides the investor group with an initial framework for proceeding towards site identification and acquisition, detailed technical feasibility, utility negotiations, investment structuring, project finance and development.

Navigator Data Centre & Digital Infrastructure Advisory

Navigator supports investors and developers evaluating investments in data centres, AI infrastructure and other technology intensive infrastructure.

Our services include:

• Feasibility Studies;

• Investment Studies;

• Concept and Proof of Concept Studies;

• Data Centre Market Analysis;

• Investment Strategy;

• Location and Site Assessment;

• Financial Modelling;

• Capital Expenditure Planning;

• Energy and Grid Infrastructure Assessment;

• Project Finance Planning;

• Investment Structuring;

• Commercial and Financial Due Diligence;

• Risk Analysis and Investment Monitoring.

For support in developing or evaluating an investment in data centres or other technical field, please contact us for a confidential discussion.

Expertise Keywords

AI Data Centre | Data Centre Investment | Hyperscaler | Hyperscale Data Centre | AI Infrastructure | Compute Infrastructure | Digital Infrastructure | Feasibility Study | Investment Study | Proof of Concept | Investment Planning | Financial Modelling | Project Finance | Energy Infrastructure | Grid Connectivity | Site Selection | Infrastructure Investment

Confidentiality Notice

The project reference presented here is an actual example of Navigator Consulting's experience. Stock photography and conceptual images are used for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual project, client, owner or location. Certain technical, financial and commercial information has been modified, generalised or omitted in order to preserve client confidentiality and commercially sensitive information.