Alberta Prepares for AI Data Centre Boom
The rapid growth of AI-related computing capacity is driving investment in AI data centres worldwide. The Alberta government aims to attract $100 billion in investment by 2030, with a focus on locating some of these facilities within the province.
The proposed Greenlight Electricity Centre in Sturgeon County, north of Edmonton, will supply dedicated power to Meta's massive AI data centre at an estimated cost of at least $40 billion. The facility will be powered by a 932-megawatt natural gas-fired plant developed by Pembina Pipeline Corp and its partners.
The advantages of locating AI data centres in Alberta include a pro-business culture, abundant natural gas, streamlined regulatory approvals, competitive electricity costs, a cooler climate that reduces cooling costs, an extensive fibre optic network, a skilled workforce, excellent airline connections, and available office space at low occupancy rates.