Meta to Build First Canadian AI Data Centre, Citing Alberta’s Power Model

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced plans to invest more than US$9.1 billion in constructing its first artificial intelligence data centre in Canada. The facility, which will be Meta’s largest AI data centre outside the United States, is slated for development in Sturgeon County, Alberta.

The project will be powered by a new natural gas-fired electricity plant known as the Greenlight Electricity Center. The plant is being developed by a consortium that includes Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Ltd., Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, and Kineticor Asset Management. This 932-megawatt power plant is scheduled to begin operations in the second half of 2030, with Meta identified as the customer for its output.

Alberta’s provincial government has emphasised the importance of creating a regulatory environment conducive to attracting large data centre investments. Nate Glubish, Alberta’s Minister of Technology and Innovation, described the Meta project as significant for the province, stating that Alberta had established a regulatory framework designed to appeal to hyperscale data centre developers.

The announcement comes as Alberta actively seeks to attract hyperscale data centres in response to increasing demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. The province’s approach has been to prioritise projects that can generate or secure their own power, rather than relying solely on the local electricity grid. This strategy is a response to concerns that Alberta’s grid cannot support multiple large-scale AI data centres without putting strain on existing resources.

The rapid expansion of AI has led to heightened scrutiny of the sector’s environmental and infrastructural impact. Data centres, which are essential for AI development and deployment, require substantial amounts of electricity and water to operate. This has raised concerns about their potential effects on local power grids and water supplies, as well as the broader implications for nearby communities.

In addressing these concerns, Meta has stated that its Sturgeon County data centre will employ a closed-loop cooling system. According to the company, this system will not draw water from surrounding sources, thereby limiting its impact on local water resources. In addition, Meta has committed to investing US$42 million in local infrastructure projects, including roads and water systems, as part of its broader investment in the area.

The choice of a natural gas-powered facility reflects both the scale of Meta’s planned operations and the constraints of the provincial electricity grid. By securing a dedicated energy supply, Meta and the provincial government aim to mitigate potential strain on Alberta’s grid, while enabling the operation of a facility of this magnitude.

The development of the Greenlight Electricity Center was confirmed last week by Pembina Pipeline, Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, and Kineticor Asset Management. While the initial announcement did not specify the end customer, Meta’s involvement was made public in Wednesday’s statement.

The scale of the project and its reliance on a dedicated natural gas plant set it apart from other data centre developments in Canada. The investment figure, exceeding US$9.1 billion, positions the Sturgeon County facility as one of the largest capital projects of its kind. Meta’s stated goal is to support its AI-driven operations, which underpin services across its social media and technology platforms.

Stakeholders have highlighted differing aspects of the project. Alberta officials have linked the investment to the province’s regulatory approach and its emphasis on attracting technology infrastructure. Meta, for its part, has pointed to the use of closed-loop cooling and local infrastructure investment as part of its strategy to address environmental and community concerns.

Meanwhile, broader questions remain regarding the environmental footprint of large-scale data centres, particularly those powered by fossil fuels. The reliance on natural gas for electricity generation has been noted in the context of ongoing discussions about energy transition and emissions reduction in Canada and internationally. However, proponents argue that the use of dedicated, off-grid power may reduce stress on existing public infrastructure, potentially enabling further economic development.

The involvement of Canadian and international infrastructure partners reflects the scale and complexity of the facility’s energy requirements. The Greenlight Electricity Center, at 932 megawatts, is designed to meet Meta’s needs while operating independently of Alberta’s main power grid.

The project is expected to contribute to local economic activity, both through direct investment and through the development of supporting infrastructure. The timeline for the power plant’s operational launch in the second half of 2030 sets the window for the data centre’s expected commissioning.

As demand for AI infrastructure continues to grow, the Sturgeon County facility may serve as a model for future data centre developments in jurisdictions with similar grid constraints. The project’s evolution will be watched for its impact on regional economic development, infrastructure planning, and environmental management.