Alberta — Meta’s planned C$13 billion ($9 billion) data center is helping generate interest from other large technology companies considering major investments in the Canadian province, according to Capital Power CEO Avik Dey.

Capital Power is in discussions with several potential data center developers about electricity supplies, although Dey did not disclose the companies involved.

Dey said Meta’s project highlights Alberta’s potential to develop into a significant data center market.

More than 100 data center projects have reportedly been proposed across Alberta. The province has substantial amounts of available land, relatively inexpensive natural gas and a cold climate that can lower operating costs for large computing facilities.

Capital Power is positioning its Genesee Generating Station near Edmonton as a potential electricity source for future data center developments.

Meta has partnered with Pembina Pipeline to develop a natural-gas-fired generating station for its first Canadian data center. Before that facility becomes operational in 2030, Capital Power is expected to provide 250 megawatts of electricity to Meta’s site.

Canadian telecommunications company BCE is also expanding its planned data center in Saskatchewan, raising its proposed capacity to 1.2 gigawatts.

The rapid expansion of AI computing infrastructure is generating additional demand for electricity production. At the same time, the projects have prompted concerns over pressure on local power grids and the possibility of higher electricity costs.

A report from the Pembina Institute cautioned that allowing data centers to use Alberta’s grid before their dedicated generating facilities are operating could place additional strain on electricity supplies.

The developments illustrate how growing investment in AI infrastructure is increasingly bringing technology companies together with electricity producers and energy developers.

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