Meta has revealed plans to construct a large one-gigawatt data center in the northeast of Edmonton, marking its first venture of this kind in Canada. The social media giant, known for platforms like Facebook and Instagram, announced an investment exceeding $13 billion for the project to be situated in Sturgeon County.
As part of its commitment to the local community, Meta will dedicate $60 million towards enhancing local infrastructure. The data center will incorporate a closed-loop liquid-cooled system using “dry cooling” technology to eliminate the need for operational water usage. It will be powered by a combination of grid electricity and on-site natural gas generation.
During a news conference in Calgary attended by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Meta officials, and Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw, Smith projected that the Meta project would contribute a minimum of $250 million annually to Alberta. Smith emphasized Alberta’s advantageous factors such as its cool climate, skilled workforce, and expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) as key attractions for industry interest.
Last year, Alberta passed legislation allowing data centers to self-generate power, a move aimed at reducing water consumption. Gary Demasi, Meta’s Vice President of Data Center Strategy and Development, assured that the project would not require water for cooling purposes. He highlighted Meta’s goal to be water-positive by 2030, aiming to replenish more water than it consumes locally.
The construction of the Sturgeon County data center is anticipated to create 3,000 jobs during the building phase and sustain 300 jobs once operational. This site will mark Meta’s 33rd data center globally. While a specific commencement date for operations has not been set, Demasi indicated that it would be within the next few years.
Mark Daley, Chief AI Officer at Western University, described data centers as significant economic drivers of the 21st century and emphasized Canada’s suitability for such facilities due to its abundant energy resources. Daley noted that Meta’s investment would be a significant boon for any province looking to develop a strategic advantage in the tech industry.
Amid positive reception, some concerns have been raised regarding Alberta’s policy encouraging independent power generation by project proponents. Critics like David Pickup, Director of the Pembina Institute’s electricity program, worry about potential impacts on energy prices and emissions. However, Alberta’s Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish defended the province’s approach, assuring that stringent regulations would prevent any breaches and maintain a fair and competitive framework for all players.