Meta to build C$13 billion AI data centre in Alberta, its first in Canada Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock
Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META, XETRA:FB2A, SIX:FB) has announced plans to build a 1-gigawatt data centre in Sturgeon County, Alberta, marking the technology company’s first such facility in Canada as it expands its computing infrastructure to support artificial intelligence development.
The project represents an investment of more than C$13 billion ($9.17 billion) and will become Meta’s 33rd data centre globally. The facility will be optimized for AI workloads and is expected to support the company’s broader artificial intelligence initiatives and digital services.
Construction of the data centre is expected to support more than 3,000 workers at peak activity, while the completed facility will create more than 300 operational jobs, Meta said.
The company also plans to invest about C$60 million in local infrastructure improvements, including roads and water infrastructure, and provide funding to local community organizations.
Alberta’s energy resources and climate were factors in the location decision, according to Meta. The province’s electricity grid is largely powered by natural gas, while its cooler climate can help reduce the cost of cooling data centre equipment.
Meta said it will fully fund new power generation and grid infrastructure required for the Alberta facility. The company has partnered with Pembina (NYSE:PBA) Pipeline, which is moving forward with its Greenlight Electricity Centre project, a natural gas-fired power generation facility in Sturgeon County expected to begin operations in late 2030. Meta has entered into a long-term tolling agreement linked to the facility.
Pembina estimates the project will require about 150 million cubic feet per day of natural gas, creating additional demand for Western Canadian natural gas producers.
Meta said the data centre’s electricity use will be matched with 100% clean and renewable energy and that it is designing the facility to limit water consumption. The company plans to use a closed-loop liquid cooling system combined with dry cooling, which it said will eliminate operational water use in the cooling system.
The company added that water use at the site will be limited to domestic needs, fire protection and equipment maintenance. Meta has set a goal of becoming water positive by 2030, meaning it aims to restore more water than it consumes globally across its owned operations.
Shares of Meta are set to end the week 13% higher at about $667.