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Alberta has secured one of the largest private-sector investments in Canadian history after Meta announced plans to build its first Canadian data centre in the province, a project valued at more than $13 billion.
The proposed facility, to be located in Sturgeon County, is expected to create more than 3,000 construction jobs and approximately 300 permanent operational positions, while generating an estimated $250 million annually for Alberta through royalties, taxes, levies and other government revenues.
The investment also includes roughly $60 million in local infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to roads and water systems.
Premier Danielle Smith described the announcement as another milestone in Alberta's strategy to become a global destination for artificial intelligence and advanced technology investment.
"Artificial intelligence is transforming the global economy, and Alberta is making sure we lead rather than follow," Smith said. "This project will create thousands of jobs, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue, and make electricity more reliable and affordable."
Alberta's AI Strategy
The announcement follows Alberta's introduction of regulations specifically designed to attract large-scale AI data centres while protecting provincial infrastructure and natural resources.
Unlike many competing jurisdictions, Alberta requires major data centre developers to provide much of their own electricity generation, finance the infrastructure required to support their operations and meet strict environmental and water-use standards.
According to the provincial government, these measures are intended to ensure that new developments do not place additional strain on Alberta's electrical grid or taxpayers.
Gary Demasi, Meta's Vice President of Data Centre Strategy and Development, said Alberta offered the right combination of infrastructure, energy availability and workforce to support the company's expansion into Canada.
"We're thrilled to announce Meta's first Canadian data centre in Alberta," Demasi said. "Sturgeon County is the perfect home for Meta thanks to its strong access to infrastructure and energy, talented workforce and outstanding community partners."
Powering the Future
The new facility will operate under Alberta's "bring your own power" model, combining electricity from the provincial grid with new on-site natural gas generation.
The government says this approach will help maintain grid reliability while supporting growing demand from energy-intensive AI computing operations.
The project is also linked to the recently announced Project Greenlight, a $4.6-billion natural gas-fired electricity generation facility being developed by Pembina Pipeline Corporation, Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners and Kineticor.
Provincial officials estimate the additional generation capacity could reduce electricity transmission costs by as much as six per cent for Alberta consumers.
Minister of Affordability and Utilities RJ Sigurdson said the project demonstrates Alberta's ability to support large-scale technological investment without compromising power reliability.
Environmental Considerations
Water use has also been a central consideration in the project's design.
Meta says the Sturgeon Data Centre will use a closed-loop liquid cooling system with dry cooling technology, eliminating the need for operational water use during cooling. Water consumption will be limited primarily to domestic services, fire protection and equipment maintenance, with all necessary approvals remaining subject to Alberta's Water Act.
The facility will be constructed within Alberta's Industrial Heartland, an established industrial zone rather than agricultural land or residential areas.
Long-Term Economic Impact
Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish said Alberta's success in attracting the investment reflects years of work developing competitive regulations and actively promoting the province to major technology companies.
Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Minister Joseph Schow added that investments of this scale strengthen Alberta's reputation as a destination for international business while creating employment opportunities for Albertans.
Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw welcomed the announcement, saying the project aligns with the municipality's long-standing vision of encouraging responsible industrial development that delivers jobs, infrastructure improvements and long-term tax revenue.
The investment also includes expanded digital infrastructure that will strengthen Alberta's connections to North American data networks, supporting businesses and future technology development across the province.
The announcement marks another significant step in Alberta's efforts to diversify its economy beyond traditional energy industries while positioning itself as a growing hub for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and advanced digital infrastructure.
(Source: Government of Alberta)
