Former Trump staffer, ex-Greenland official plan ‘world’s largest’ AI data center

Former Greenlandic official Svend Hardenberg is working with American investor and former Trump administration staffer Drew Horn on plans for what they claim will be the world’s largest AI data center in Kangerlussuaq.

According to Greenland’s public broadcaster KNR, Horn intends to build a large data center that could use 300 megawatts of electricity as early as next year, rising to 1.5 gigawatts by 2028. He has also expressed interest in bidding for hydropower projects at Tasersiaq and Tarsartuup Tasersua.

KNR reported that Hardenberg, a former head of the Prime Minister’s Department, arrived in Nuuk together with Horn before traveling on to Kangerlussuaq. Other media have also identified Hardenberg as the American investor’s Greenlandic business partner.

Hardenberg has also worked as a strategic adviser to the Australian mining company Energy Transition Minerals, formerly Greenland Minerals, which is demanding tens of billions of kroner in compensation from Denmark and Greenland after being blocked from developing the Kuannersuit rare earth and uranium project, according to reporting by Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq.

Horn served in multiple roles during Donald Trump’s first administration, including as chief of staff for the Office of International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy and as a policy director for Vice President Mike Pence. In an interview with Berlingske, Horn said he and Hardenberg had known each other for years.

“He handles everything related to Greenland and Denmark, I handle everything related to the United States,” Horn said.

Horn also said Hardenberg was not his only Greenlandic partner, though he did not name others.

In a written response to DR, Hardenberg said he does not engage in political matters.

“I generally do not comment on political developments and refrain from commenting on the current political situation — that is the responsibility of our government. I am a businessman and focus on creating growth and opportunities for Greenland,” he wrote.

He added that Horn’s investment firm, GreenMet, had a “matchmaker” function and had been asked to help find a suitable project partner for part of the development.

Separately, Sermitsiaq reported that Hardenberg’s Inuit Development Company had signed a letter of intent with AmForge Corporation, represented by co-founder and CEO Dan Whaley, to pursue what the partners describe as the world’s largest AI data center.

The agreement was signed in Kangerlussuaq and outlines a phased plan covering energy production, data center construction and the installation of a subsea data cable.

The companies said the facility would be powered by what they described as the largest sustainable hydropower project, delivering long-term renewable energy for a hyperscale AI data center. The project is also intended to create jobs for local actors in Qeqqata Kommunia and generate long-term economic benefits for Greenland.

“AI is here, and growing quickly. The more it can be powered by sustainable energy and cooled naturally, the better. Greenland is uniquely positioned for this, and we are excited to partner with Svend and Inuit Development Company to bring this remarkable project to life,” Whaley said after the signing.

Hardenberg called the letter of intent “a major moment for sustainable development projects in our country.”

The press release did not specify how the project would be financed.