Meta Platforms Inc. has announced plans to construct a $13-billion artificial intelligence-focused data centre in Sturgeon County, Alberta. This project marks the company’s first data centre in Canada and will serve as its largest facility outside of the United States. The development is expected to create approximately 3,000 jobs during the construction phase and provide over 300 permanent operational roles once completed. Meta anticipates the facility will be online within the next two to three years.
To support the massive energy requirements of the site, Meta is coordinating with local energy providers, including the Greenlight Electricity Centre, a natural gas-fired power project. While the data centre is expected to begin operations before the adjacent power plant is fully functional, Meta has secured grid access and may utilize other suppliers to meet its interim energy needs. The company has also committed $60 million toward local infrastructure improvements, specifically targeting road and water system upgrades in the region.
Provincial officials have championed the project as a significant economic milestone, projecting that the facility will generate at least $250 million in annual economic benefits for Alberta. The selection of Sturgeon County was driven by the region's robust electrical grid, access to energy, and a favorable regulatory environment. As Meta continues to expand its global infrastructure, this investment represents a major step in the company's strategy to bolster its AI capabilities through large-scale, dedicated computing facilities.