The tech giant will invest $9.17 billion in its first Canadian data centre, expanding AI infrastructure while promising dedicated power and renewable energy investments.
Meta will invest $9.17 billion (C$13 billion) to build its first data centre in Canada, widening its artificial intelligence infrastructure as demand for computing capacity continues to increase.
According to Reuters, the 1-gigawatt facility will be built in Sturgeon County, Alberta, with the capacity to scale up to 1.8 gigawatts. It will become Meta‘s 33rd data centre globally and is expected to support the company’s growing AI operations.
The announcement was made in Calgary alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Provincial officials said Alberta’s abundant natural gas supply and cooler climate make it an attractive destination for large-scale AI infrastructure.
“This is the first of its kind, the first of its size, the first of its scale, but it won’t be the last,” Alberta Technology Minister Nate Glubish said.
Meta said it will fully fund new electricity generation and grid infrastructure for the project, which is expected to consume as much electricity as about 800,000 homes. The company added that it will offset power use through investments in clean and renewable energy, while using a closed-loop liquid cooling system designed to reduce water consumption.
Reuters reported that the project will initially receive 250 megawatts of electricity from Capital Power before transitioning to Pembina Pipeline’s Greenlight Electricity Centre when it becomes operational later this decade.
Environmental groups criticised the project, citing concerns over growing natural gas use and the environmental impact of large AI data centres.
