Meta said Wednesday it will invest more than US$9.1 billion to build its first AI data center in Canada - and its largest outside the United States - in Sturgeon County, Alberta. The project will be powered by a dedicated natural gas-fired plant, a model that addresses the province's limited grid capacity as demand for AI infrastructure surges.
Project details and power generation
The 932-megawatt plant, named the Greenlight Electricity Center, is being developed by a consortium that includes Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Ltd., Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners and Kineticor Asset Management. Power generation is expected to begin in the second half of 2030. Alberta has been courting hyperscale data centers, but its electricity grid cannot support multiple large AI facilities. The province created a regulatory framework to prioritize projects that build or secure their own power generation. Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish said the Meta project is "a big deal for Alberta," crediting the framework for attracting the investment.
Cooling and local infrastructure
Meta said the data center will use a closed-loop cooling system that won't draw water from surrounding sources. The company also plans to invest US$42 million in local infrastructure, including roads and water systems. The design reflects a push to reduce the resource strain that large AI data centers can place on nearby communities.
Why this matters for IT and development professionals
The Meta data center shows how hyperscale AI infrastructure is forcing new thinking about energy, cooling, and local investment. IT and development teams increasingly need to factor these operational elements into planning and deployment. Professionals who want to stay current on the technical implications can find practical guidance in AI for IT & Development resources.
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