Meta Launches Massive $13 Billion AI Data Center in Alberta, Canada
Meta, the technology giant behind Facebook and Instagram, announced plans to build its first artificial intelligence data center in Canada, located in Alberta. The new facility, with an investment exceeding $13 billion, will be the largest Meta data center outside the United States. It is set to be constructed in the industrial region of Strathcona County, north of Edmonton.
The data center will cover nearly 270,000 square meters and operate with a power capacity of one gigawatt, supplied by a natural gas-powered station built by a consortium including Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline. Meta’s Vice President of Strategy and Data Center Development, Gary Demasi, emphasized the importance of community success alongside the data center’s success.
The Alberta government projects the project will create approximately 3,000 construction jobs and 300 permanent positions once operational. It is also expected to generate around $250 million annually for the province through royalties, taxes, and fees. Alberta has been actively attracting major tech companies and has established a dedicated service to assist with regulatory processes.
Addressing environmental concerns common in the data center industry, Meta stated the facility will use a closed-loop water cooling system that does not draw water from the surrounding area. The company also plans to invest $60 million in local infrastructure improvements, including roads and water systems.
Alberta Premier Daniel Smith praised the announcement, noting the project’s location in an area accustomed to heavy industrial activity, including refineries and petrochemical plants. Strathcona County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw also welcomed the project, highlighting Meta’s commitment to environmental standards. However, Keith Stewart, senior energy strategist at Greenpeace Canada, called for a moratorium on large data centers until environmental and human rights protections are embedded in AI laws, criticizing the industry’s impact on water, air, and electricity consumption.
