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Technology giant Meta has announced a massive $13 billion ($9.17 billion USD) investment to build its first Canadian data center in Alberta. The 1-gigawatt facility, designed with the capacity to scale up to 1.8 gigawatts, marks Meta's 33rd global data center as the company aggressively expands its artificial intelligence infrastructure.
According to the provincial government, the mega-project will generate significant economic momentum, creating over 3,000 construction jobs and 300 permanent operational roles. It is also projected to inject roughly $250 million annually into the province through taxes, royalties, levies, and fees. As part of the build, Meta is committing $60 million to upgrade local roads and water systems.
The project will be supported by a separate $4.6 billion natural gas power plant. Backed by Pembina Pipeline Corporation, Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, and Kineticor under the Project Greenlight initiative, the plant is expected to cut electricity transmission charges for Albertans by up to 6%.
"Artificial intelligence is transforming the global economy, and Alberta is making sure we lead rather than follow," Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said, noting that the province has established the ideal conditions to draw world-class investments while lowering local utility costs.
According to Gary Demasi, Meta's vice president of data center strategy, Alberta won the bid due to its reliable energy infrastructure, talented local workforce, and strong community backing.
The province's Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish emphasized that Alberta mandates that large data centers must "bring their own power." This policy, combined with rigorous water and environmental rules, ensures tech expansion does not come at the expense of local citizens or resources, he said.
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