A Canada Strong AI future starts in Alberta
In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, touching almost every facet of our lives. Its influence on how the world is evolving, advancing, and prospering is rapidly increasing.
Behind every AI process – from voice assistants and medical imaging to predictive analysis, automation, and robotics – are once-unimaginable innovations that are now available at the push of a button. This is made possible by a rapidly growing industry of large-scale data centres and hyperscaler facilities – the physical backbone of the digital economy, powering the artificial intelligence revolution, reshaping life as we know it.
The ability to power, innovate and connect will define the next generation of global prosperity. Now is the time to set the course in this digital era and build large-scale data centres that power world-changing innovation driven by AI.
We must think big because AI hyperscalers – the largest tech companies in the world – don’t build small. They think in gigawatt-scale terms because that’s what their global operations require – and Capital Power can deliver.
What is a hyperscaler?
A hyperscaler takes the concept of data centres to the next level. It is a cloud service provider that manages large data centre capacity and offers cloud solutions to businesses and software vendors. Hyperscalers help businesses handle computing, storage, and other IT processes for millions of users and provide access to cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics.
What is a data centre?
Data centres are complex, vast digital infrastructure created to house IT equipment and process and manage large volumes of digital data and computing resources. They provide the necessary infrastructure for businesses, organizations, and online services to store and access data, run applications, AI compute, and ensure reliable, high-speed network connectivity. Every email sent, video streamed, or AI query performed relies on data centres to function seamlessly.
The Genesee Data Centre would benefit Albertans by more than $1 billion over 8 years
Capital Power is in active discussions with a significant North American data centre provider about co-locating a large campus – up to 1,500 megawatts – at our Genesee Generating Station west of Edmonton. In 2024, Genesee was repowered, becoming the most efficient natural-gas combined cycle facility in Canada1. This modernized site can leverage our existing electrical infrastructure and decades of operational expertise in Alberta. Our data centre project doesn’t compromise grid reliability or affordability for Albertans, as it would ramp online over multiple years, giving the market time to respond. Once complete, it would save Albertans an estimated $5 to $6 per month in transmission fees and inject millions of dollars in tax revenue.
1. Repowered Units 1 and 2 at Genesee Generating Station use Mitsubishi M501JAC turbines and Vogt heat recovery steam generators in combined cycle mode and are the most efficient combined cycle units currently operating in Canada.
The future of Canada’s AI legacy starts in Alberta
However, projects like ours are time-sensitive and global in scope. Alberta is competing against jurisdictions across North America and beyond. Every month of regulatory uncertainty is a month competing jurisdictions use to attract the investment dollars elsewhere that should be coming here. Major data centre players will take their business elsewhere if we don’t take action now.
Earlier in our national story, we built railways and highways to connect our country. Today, we must seize the most significant infrastructure opportunity of our generation – building data centres that power world-changing innovation.
And this is about more than technology. Data centres create high-paying jobs, attract global investment that builds thriving communities, and ensures we control our digital security, keeping us Canada Strong.
Our success is backed by Canada’s abundant resources and energy expertise. We need to act boldly, and tap into Alberta’s world-class energy, a cornerstone in our national opportunity.
Learn more about our proposed Genesee Data Centre project