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Meta to Build First Canadian AI Data Center for $9.1 Billion
Meta will spend more than 13 billion Canadian dollars to construct an artificial intelligence data center in Sturgeon County, Alberta. The project includes a dedicated natural gas power plant and local infrastructure upgrades.
Jul 8, 6:37 PM·1m read1 source
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Meta announced Wednesday it will invest more than 13 billion Canadian dollars to build its first artificial intelligence data center in Canada. The facility will be located in Sturgeon County, Alberta, and will serve as the company's largest data center outside the United States.
The project includes a 932-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant being developed by a consortium that includes Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Ltd. The plant is expected to begin operating in the second half of 2030.
Meta stated the data center will use a closed-loop cooling system that will not draw water from surrounding sources. The company also plans to invest US$42 million in local infrastructure, including roads and water systems. Alberta's electricity grid cannot support multiple large AI data centers, so the province is prioritizing projects that secure their own power generation.
Last week, Pembina Pipeline, Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners and Kineticor Asset Management announced they would proceed with the Greenlight Electricity Center in Sturgeon County, with Meta identified as the customer.
and Innovation Minister Nate
Glubish called the project a big deal for Alberta. Alberta has been courting hyperscale data centers as demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure increases.
