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Environmental Considerations: Assessing the Impact of Meta's Data Centre in Alberta

Published July 10, 2026 at 10:34 AM UTC

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While Meta's $13 billion data centre in Sturgeon County, Alberta, promises significant economic benefits, environmental considerations are paramount. The facility's substantial energy requirements, equivalent to the consumption of approximately 800,000 homes, raise questions about its environmental footprint. Meta has committed to matching its annual electricity usage with 100% clean and renewable energy, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact. The data centre will employ a water-efficient closed-loop, liquid-cooled system with dry cooling, resulting in no operational water use in the cooling system. However, concerns persist regarding the sourcing of materials, construction practices, and the long-term ecological effects of such large-scale infrastructure projects. Stakeholders advocate for transparent environmental assessments and ongoing monitoring to ensure that the development aligns with sustainable practices and minimizes its ecological footprint.