Largest AI data centre in the world to be built in northwest Alberta

[Doctorfever]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

People aren’t “against” the project or, better put, the “concept of a project.”

Smart people just know it’s nothing more than a grift right now. The amount of energy required is impossible without significant government spend to increase the power available to the area. And planning to rely solely on natural gas is not only going to hugely increase prices for everyone else, but it’s going to create insane emissions (think doubling the amount of cars in all of Canada).

That’s why intelligent jurisdictions are planning for these things properly and looking into nuclear and renewables to ensure they’re sustainable. Instead, the UCP are just having it dropped in their lap with no plan while they actively undermine renewable energy.

What has been grifted?


What source do you have for these other intelligent jurisdictions looking into nuclear and renewables for this type of project?

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Doctorfever

What has been grifted?


What source do you have for these other intelligent jurisdictions looking into nuclear and renewables for this type of project?

The grift will be our tax dollars funding this for profit enterprise, and creating unnecessary pollution while doing it.


Green data centres? Naw, none of the big guys would do that. Silly.



https://www.google.com/about/datacenters/cleanenergy/


https://datacenters.microsoft.com/gl...ransformation/


https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/e...ewable-energy/

[Doctorfever]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

The grift will be our tax dollars funding this for profit enterprise, and creating unnecessary pollution while doing it.


Green data centres? Naw, none of the big guys would do that. Silly.



https://www.google.com/about/datacenters/cleanenergy/


https://datacenters.microsoft.com/gl...ransformation/


https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/e...ewable-energy/

So, you are against this project?

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Doctorfever

What has been grifted?


What source do you have for these other intelligent jurisdictions looking into nuclear and renewables for this type of project?

I’m kind of surprised you haven’t actually looked into any of this for someone who seems so excited/on board. As opposed to me picking one source, a super simple google search will provide you with pages and pages of relevant results. Take 10 minutes and read through a few.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Doctorfever

So, you are against this project?

It's a silly project in this day. Tech companies are trying to green their operations, because they know the huge climate impact of server farms. Money grabbing ####faces see cheap natural gas, and figure hey, since we don't have to worry about the externalities this will make us more money. Danielle Smith will make sure they don't have to worry about externatilites and don't be surprised if there are 50 year clauses giving them pretty much free reign to pollute as much as they need to.

Had this been a plan to build a data centre in southern Alberta using solar and wind with battery backup, it might be more supportable. As is, when you look at it from the business angle, it's the type of FYGM project we all pay for, but they profit from.

But ya, I know. you don't actually care.

[Doctorfever]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

I’m kind of surprised you haven’t actually looked into any of this for someone who seems so excited/on board. As opposed to me picking one source, a super simple google search will provide you with pages and pages of relevant results. Take 10 minutes and read through a few.

Which examples requires a similar amount of electricity that this project requires?

[Doctorfever]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

It's a silly project in this day. Tech companies are trying to green their operations, because they know the huge climate impact of server farms. Money grabbing ####faces see cheap natural gas, and figure hey, since we don't have to worry about the externalities this will make us more money. Danielle Smith will make sure they don't have to worry about externatilites and don't be surprised if there are 50 year clauses giving them pretty much free reign to pollute as much as they need to.

Had this been a plan to build a data centre in southern Alberta using solar and wind with battery backup, it might be more supportable. As is, when you look at it from the business angle, it's the type of FYGM project we all pay for, but they profit from.

But ya, I know. you don't actually care.

How much area would you need for the solar panels to generate enough electricity for this project?

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Doctorfever

How much area would you need for the solar panels to generate enough electricity for this project?

I don't know or care.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Doctorfever

Which examples requires a similar amount of electricity that this project requires?

Don’t recall off the top of my head. Let us know what you find when you’ve looked into it for the first time.

[Doctorfever]

Originally Posted by Doctorfever

What has been grifted?


What source do you have for these other intelligent jurisdictions looking into nuclear and renewables for this type of project?

So…. You have nothing? That’s fine. I figured as much.

[Fuzz]

Are you unable to look stuff up yourself? We aren't your mother, if you think this is defensible and want to go on about it, find some facts yourself before taking the word of a blowhard snake oil salesman.

[MelBridgeman]

The development of the Wonder Valley AI Data Centre in northwest Alberta brings numerous benefits, ranging from economic growth to technological advancements. With an estimated $70 billion investment, this multi-phase project will create thousands of construction jobs over the next decade, along with long-term employment opportunities for skilled workers such as data engineers and IT specialists. The operational data centre will also boost the local economy, supporting businesses in housing, retail, and services within the Greenview region.

By establishing one of the world’s largest AI data centres, Canada positions itself as a leader in AI and advanced technologies. This development is expected to attract further tech investments, fostering innovation and establishing Alberta as a hub for cutting-edge industries. Leveraging Alberta’s abundant natural gas reserves ensures a reliable and cost-effective energy source for the data centre, while integrating modern, sustainable practices aligns with the eco-industrial vision of the Greenview Industrial Gateway.

Hyperscale data centres, such as this one, are essential for powering AI growth and enabling advancements across sectors like healthcare, energy, agriculture, and transportation. The centre will provide the computational power needed to run advanced AI models, process massive datasets, and support global cloud computing needs. These capabilities will accelerate AI research and its practical applications, benefiting businesses and governments worldwide.

The project’s focus on eco-industrial practices also promotes environmental and technological advancements. Incorporating renewable energy sources, waste heat recycling, and other green technologies could minimize the project’s environmental impact. Additionally, the centre strengthens Canada’s digital infrastructure, making the nation more competitive globally and enhancing its reputation as a tech-friendly country.

The Wonder Valley AI Data Centre will generate significant tax revenue for local and provincial governments while fostering the growth of surrounding industries, such as telecommunications and software development. While challenges such as environmental concerns and energy sustainability must be addressed, this project has the potential to redefine Alberta’s industrial landscape, positioning it as a key player in the global AI ecosystem.

This project comes at a critical time when Canada’s economy is under strain due to stringent environmental regulations and high tax burdens, which have posed challenges to various industries. By leveraging Alberta’s abundant natural resources and integrating modern, eco-industrial practices, the data centre showcases a balance between economic growth and sustainability.

[Fuzz]

Parroting O'Leary boilerplate now? That's some token greenwashing text.

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Parroting O'Leary boilerplate now? That's some token greenwashing text.

Unlike you Pickles i see the value in Canada getting back to building it's economy which has been put in major joepardy by a Drama Teacher.

Stop being the final NIMBY boss.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Doctorfever

So, you are against this project?

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

This project comes at a critical time when Canada’s economy is under strain due to stringent environmental regulations and high tax burdens, which have posed challenges to various industries. By leveraging Alberta’s abundant natural resources and integrating modern, eco-industrial practices, the data centre showcases a balance between economic growth and sustainability.

The issue is, there’s no project here. Nothing is being built, and there’s nothing taking place. Like I said earlier. Not. One. Brick.

[Doctorfever]

Originally Posted by Slava

The issue is, there’s no project here. Nothing is being built, and there’s nothing taking place. Like I said earlier. Not. One. Brick.

Correct. Not. One. Brick.

But you do understand that there is planning involved before the first brick?

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

Unlike you Pickles i see the value in Canada getting back to building it's economy which has been put in major joepardy by a Drama Teacher.

Stop being the final NIMBY boss.

So no concerns about adding 4 million Mt CO2 per year for the first stage? you know that by doing this, we are less able to extract more O&G, to sell, right? And if it used green energy emissions wouldn't be an issue, which is why that's the direction of most data centres? And it's going to increase our ultimate cost of energy and gas?



It's an OK project powered by stupidity.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

Unlike you Pickles i see the value in Canada getting back to building it's economy which has been put in major joepardy by a Drama Teacher.

Stop being the final NIMBY boss.

And unlike you and the doc, some people aren’t so easily convinced by marketing releases and catchy names just because it’s some conservative telling them what they want to hear.

The boot must taste good, though.

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

So no concerns about adding 4 million Mt CO2 per year for the first stage? you know that by doing this, we are less able to extract more O&G, to sell, right? And if it used green energy emissions wouldn't be an issue, which is why that's the direction of most data centres? And it's going to increase our ultimate cost of energy and gas?



It's an OK project powered by stupidity.

While the concerns raised about CO₂ emissions and energy costs are valid, it is important to weigh the broader economic and technological benefits of a project like this AI data center. Alberta’s economy has long relied heavily on oil and gas, and diversifying into industries such as AI and technology is a strategic move to secure long-term economic growth. This diversification reduces reliance on volatile oil markets, opens up opportunities for high-paying tech jobs, and positions Canada as a leader in the global AI space.

The emissions from the first stage of this project are substantial, but Alberta has significant renewable energy potential. Policymakers and stakeholders should work toward integrating more green energy solutions into large-scale developments like this, which would address environmental concerns while maintaining economic momentum. Transitioning to greener energy sources is already a priority for many industries, and aligning this project with those goals can ensure its sustainability.

Regarding energy costs, large projects do consume substantial resources, but they can also catalyze investments in infrastructure and renewable energy, ultimately lowering costs in the long run. By focusing on modernizing Alberta’s energy grid and promoting innovation in clean energy, projects like this can enhance Alberta’s competitiveness without completely sidelining traditional industries. A balanced approach can allow for both economic progress and environmental responsibility.

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

And unlike you and the doc, some people aren’t so easily convinced by marketing releases and catchy names just because it’s some conservative telling them what they want to hear.

The boot must taste good, though.

It’s valid to approach announcements like this with skepticism—healthy debate and critical thinking are essential when evaluating large-scale projects. However, dismissing any analysis as “boot-licking” undermines the opportunity for constructive discussion.

Instead of attacking the motivations behind differing opinions, it’s more productive to focus on the tangible details and implications of the project. Questions about environmental impact, energy costs, and economic diversification are important and deserve thorough scrutiny. Balancing these concerns with potential benefits like job creation, innovation, and positioning Alberta for a future beyond oil is the crux of the discussion.

Let’s keep the dialogue grounded in facts and open to diverse perspectives—it’s the only way to ensure balanced decisions for Alberta’s future.