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5mo ago

Alberta Aims for $100 Billion in AI Data Centre Investments by 2029

Technology Minister Nate Glubish outlines plans to attract major tech firms with off-grid power incentives and streamlined regulations.

Nate Glubish shakes hands with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith after Glubish was sworn into cabinet as Minister of Technology and Innovations in Edmonton, Monday, Oct. 24, 2022. Glubish says he's hoping to see $100 billion worth of artificial intelligence data centres under construction within the next five years.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
Nate Glubish
Innovation Minister Nate Glubish speaks at a news conference in Edmonton on Monday morning.
Nathan Neudorf

Overview

  • Alberta's Technology Minister Nate Glubish announced a goal to attract $100 billion in artificial intelligence data centre construction within the next five years.
  • Data centres, used by companies like Meta, Google, and Amazon to develop AI models, require significant power, and Alberta is promoting its off-grid power generation capabilities to meet this demand.
  • The provincial government has launched a 'concierge program' to streamline regulatory processes and attract global tech companies to Alberta.
  • Officials argue that off-grid power deals will prevent strain on Alberta's public electrical grid, ensuring reliability and affordability for residents.
  • While Alberta positions itself as a hub for data centres, concerns have been raised about the potential environmental impact of using natural gas to power these facilities.