Story
Meta to Build C$13 Billion Data Center in Alberta, Its First in Canada
Summary
Meta has announced plans to construct its first Canadian data center in Alberta, a C$13 billion investment aimed at supporting the global demand for artificial intelligence computing. The facility will be powered by a new, dedicated natural gas-fired power plant.
Tech giant Meta announced on Wednesday its plan to build a massive C$13 billion ($9.17 billion) data center in Sturgeon County, Alberta. The project marks the company's first data center in Canada and its 33rd globally, part of a significant expansion of computing capacity to support the growth of artificial intelligence.
The 1-gigawatt facility's location was chosen for several reasons, including Alberta's cold climate, which helps reduce cooling costs for the extensive computer infrastructure. The province's abundant and relatively low-cost natural gas was also a key factor, following years of efforts by Alberta government officials to attract major tech investments.
To meet the facility's substantial energy needs, which are estimated to be equivalent to the electricity consumption of 800,000 homes, Meta will fund its own power generation infrastructure. The company has partnered with Alberta-based Pembina Pipeline, which will build and operate a new natural gas-fired power generation facility, the Greenlight Electricity Centre, slated to be in service by late 2030.
AdThe decision highlights a contrast with Canada's national AI strategy, which has emphasized the country's clean electricity grid. Alberta's grid is approximately 60% powered by natural gas, resulting in an emissions intensity nearly five times higher than the Canadian national average.