Meta Builds a $13 Billion Data Center in Alberta, Canada

JAKARTA - Meta will invest more than 13 billion US dollars in Alberta, Canada, to build its first data center in the country. The Alberta Provincial Government calls this project one of the largest private investments in Canadian history.

Anadolu Agency quoted Thursday, July 9, saying the facility will be built in Sturgeon County, near Edmonton. The project is expected to create more than 3,000 jobs during construction and 300 permanent positions after the data center starts operating.

The Alberta provincial government also estimates that the project can generate revenue of around US$250 million per year. This revenue comes from royalties, taxes, levies, and other costs related to the project.

Meta will also invest around 60 million US dollars in local infrastructure, including roads and water systems.

Data centers are facilities containing servers to store and process digital data. This project is also related to the scramble for artificial intelligence or AI investment, because data centers are an important infrastructure for digital services and large-scale computing.

The Alberta government said a separate project in the form of a $4.6 billion natural gas power plant was also prepared through the Project Greenlight initiative. The project is supported by Pembina Pipeline Corporation, Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, and Kineticor.

The plant is expected to reduce the cost of distributing electricity to Alberta residents by up to 6 percent.

"Artificial intelligence is transforming the global economy, and Alberta is ensuring we lead, not just follow," said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

Smith said the Alberta government is creating the right conditions to attract world-class investment, while protecting the interests of Albertans.

"This project will create thousands of jobs, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue, and make electricity more reliable and affordable," he said.

Vice President of Strategy and Development of Meta Data Center Gary Demasi said Alberta's access to infrastructure and energy was one of the main reasons for the location selection.

According to Demasi, another factor that determines is talented workforce and support from community partners in Alberta.

Alberta's Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish said the province requires large data centers to set up their own power sources. Companies must also comply with strict environmental and water rules.

According to Glubish, this requirement distinguishes Alberta from other regions that are also competing to attract AI investment.