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

[Fuzz]

You keep using the word "renewable" but I'm not sure you understand what that word means. How does powering a data centre with 1.4GW of gas 24/7 equate to renewable?

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

You keep using the word "renewable" but I'm not sure you understand what that word means. How does powering a data centre with 1.4GW of gas 24/7 equate to renewable?

You raise a valid concern, and it’s important to clarify the use of terms like “renewable.” Powering a data center with 1.4GW of natural gas 24/7 is not renewable in the strict sense. Renewable energy typically refers to sources like wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal—sources that replenish naturally without depleting finite resources or emitting significant greenhouse gases.

Natural gas, while often marketed as a “cleaner” fossil fuel compared to coal or oil, is still a non-renewable resource and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. If this project is being framed as “green” or “sustainable” while relying heavily on natural gas, it’s fair to question the narrative.

The choice to use natural gas could be driven by the need for consistent, reliable energy for the data center, which renewables alone might not yet guarantee without significant investment in energy storage or hybrid systems. However, such reliance on natural gas contradicts the push for sustainability, as it adds to Alberta’s carbon footprint.

The critical question remains: Are there plans to transition this facility to renewable energy in the future? If not, then this project, while beneficial economically, could undermine Canada’s broader climate goals and raise legitimate concerns about long-term sustainability.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

Instead of attacking the motivations behind differing opinions, it’s more productive to focus on the tangible details and implications of the project.

Like this?

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.

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

Like this?

Yes. rules for thee, not for me bro.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

You raise a valid concern, and it’s important to clarify the use of terms like “renewable.” Powering a data center with 1.4GW of natural gas 24/7 is not renewable in the strict sense. Renewable energy typically refers to sources like wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal—sources that replenish naturally without depleting finite resources or emitting significant greenhouse gases.

Natural gas, while often marketed as a “cleaner” fossil fuel compared to coal or oil, is still a non-renewable resource and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. If this project is being framed as “green” or “sustainable” while relying heavily on natural gas, it’s fair to question the narrative.

The choice to use natural gas could be driven by the need for consistent, reliable energy for the data center, which renewables alone might not yet guarantee without significant investment in energy storage or hybrid systems. However, such reliance on natural gas contradicts the push for sustainability, as it adds to Alberta’s carbon footprint.

The critical question remains: Are there plans to transition this facility to renewable energy in the future? If not, then this project, while beneficial economically, could undermine Canada’s broader climate goals and raise legitimate concerns about long-term sustainability.

OK, now I'm convinced you are just pasting chatbot summaries.

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

OK, now I'm convinced you are just pasting chatbot summaries.

Not at all—I aim to provide clear, concise explanations tailored to your questions. If something seems off or generic, let me know, and I’ll adjust to your expectations. If you’d like a deeper dive or a more conversational tone, feel free to clarify!

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

OK, now I'm convinced you are just pasting chatbot summaries.

He is. I plugged that post into an AI checker and it was 100% AI generated lol.

The biggest fans of this project are a guy who can’t google and a guy who can’t form his own thoughts.

A glowing review.

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

He is. I plugged that post into an AI checker and it was 100% AI generated lol.

The biggest fans of this project are a guy who can’t google and a guy who can’t form his own thoughts.

A glowing review.

It sounds like you’re expressing some frustration with the conversation. If you’d like to discuss your thoughts further or explore other topics, feel free to share your perspective!

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Doctorfever

Correct. Not. One. Brick.

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

I understand this, and that is a piece of the reason that there is no chance that this is anything but a pipedream. There is no plan. There's nothing that gives this any legitimacy whatsoever. It's like another charlatan saying he's sending people to live on Mars.

[MelBridgeman]

When that asteroid hits earth, you will be thanking Elon

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Slava

I understand this, and that is a piece of the reason that there is no chance that this is anything but a pipedream. There is no plan. There's nothing that gives this any legitimacy whatsoever. It's like another charlatan saying he's sending people to live on Mars.

The green line and CalgaryNext were both further along when first announced than this is. A decade letter one is still struggling to even start construction or finalize the plan and the other was scrapped years ago.

[Roughneck]

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

... but Alberta has significant renewable energy potential.

Not anymore. The government made sure of that.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

When that asteroid hits earth, you will be thanking Elon

Why? We’re all still going to be here for the hit.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Slava

Why? We’re all still going to be here for the hit.

I think they are suggesting they actually believe Musk is going to get a future civilization of humanity on Mars, so if it hits Earth...well, someone will be fine?

I think they've got weak knees for rich charlatans.

[MelBridgeman]

It's not that Musk is going to do it or even any of his companies, it's the fact that hes getting the ball rolling that humans next natural progression is inter planet.

But alas we can't have nice things but cause the babies whine about his wealth or his politics.

Yellowstone will erupt
An asteriod will hit the earth.
Those two things alone make our little co2 problem look like a drop in the bucket.

There isn't much we can do about it.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

It's not that Musk is going to do it or even any of his companies, it's the fact that hes getting the ball rolling that humans next natural progression is inter planet.

But alas we can't have nice things but cause the babies whine about his wealth or his politics.

Yellowstone will erupt
An asteriod will hit the earth.
Those two things alone make our little co2 problem look like a drop in the bucket.

There isn't much we can do about it.

How much do you think a mission to Mars will be? 1 Trillion? Like that’s probably not crazy. And that’s just sending someone there, they pick up some rocks and stuff, and make their way home. So, that’s the first dumb part. It’s only ever happening if there’s a military reason.

But then you have this harebrained thought that we’re going to colonize the planet and live there. Just think about how entirely ridiculous this is. The temperatures are ridiculously cold. There are radiation issues because there’s no magnetic field and a thin atmosphere. Basically without a spacesuit and protection, you have about two minutes to live. But Musk thinks that we’re just going to spend an enormous amount of time, resources and money to colonize the planet there, rather than spend time, energy and money to fix the planet we already have? Brilliant. Send him as soon as he’s ready and we can read all about it. It’ll be similar to those guys in the homemade submarine that wanted to see the Titanic.

Anyway…this data centre isn’t getting built.

[Looch City]

This data center will be built the day the Leafs win the cup.

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by Slava

How much do you think a mission to Mars will be? 1 Trillion? Like that’s probably not crazy. And that’s just sending someone there, they pick up some rocks and stuff, and make their way home. So, that’s the first dumb part. It’s only ever happening if there’s a military reason.

But then you have this harebrained thought that we’re going to colonize the planet and live there. Just think about how entirely ridiculous this is. The temperatures are ridiculously cold. There are radiation issues because there’s no magnetic field and a thin atmosphere. Basically without a spacesuit and protection, you have about two minutes to live. But Musk thinks that we’re just going to spend an enormous amount of time, resources and money to colonize the planet there, rather than spend time, energy and money to fix the planet we already have? Brilliant. Send him as soon as he’s ready and we can read all about it. It’ll be similar to those guys in the homemade submarine that wanted to see the Titanic.

See the difference between you and Musk is apparent in that statement, on one hand you have someone who can't think past the year 2025 and on the hand you have someone who can.

[Looch City]

We get it bro, you like Musk.

...or ARE you Musk himself?

[SebC]

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

Stop being the final NIMBY boss.

I am quite certain that if Fuzz is opposed to it here, he would be opposed to it anywhere.

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

When that asteroid hits earth, you will be thanking Elon

It would have to be one heck of an asteroid to make Earth less hospitable than Mars. If Musk really wants to have a positive impact he should be looking for ways to cut down on Americans' health care costs or gun deaths. If anyone has the power to effect such changes it's him.