Alberta, Canada: Meta has announced plans to invest approximately $9 billion in its first-ever data centre in Canada, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure expansion strategy.
The new 1-gigawatt (GW) facility will be located in Sturgeon County, Alberta, and is expected to take two to three years to complete. Once operational, it will become Meta’s 33rd data centre worldwide, supporting the growing demand for AI computing, cloud infrastructure, and next-generation digital services.
Meta Expands AI Infrastructure to Meet Rising Demand
The investment reflects Meta’s continued focus on scaling its AI capabilities as competition intensifies among global technology companies investing heavily in artificial intelligence.
According to the company, Alberta was selected due to its reliable energy availability, robust power grid, industrial-ready land, skilled workforce, and a supportive regulatory environment.
A Meta spokesperson said the location aligns with the company’s long-term infrastructure requirements, offering access to critical utilities, strong community partnerships, and the capacity to support future energy needs.
Supporting Future AI and Cloud Services
The Canadian facility forms part of Meta’s broader strategy to expand the computing infrastructure required to power advanced AI models and digital platforms.
Beyond supporting its internal AI initiatives, reports suggest Meta is also exploring opportunities to establish a cloud computing business that could eventually provide excess computing capacity or AI services to external customers.
The move comes as the company seeks to strengthen its competitive position against major cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, all of which continue to invest aggressively in hyperscale AI infrastructure.
Economic Impact and Local Investment
Meta expects the project to generate substantial economic benefits for the region.
During peak construction, the development is projected to support more than 3,000 construction jobs, while also driving investments in local infrastructure and community development initiatives.
The company said it has collaborated with several Canadian energy and infrastructure partners, including Greenlight Limited Partnership, AltaLink, Capital Power, and the Alberta Electric System Operator, to ensure adequate power supply well before the facility becomes operational.
Environmental Considerations Remain in Focus
While the project is expected to strengthen Canada’s position in the global AI infrastructure landscape, large-scale data centres continue to attract scrutiny over their environmental impact.
Industry experts have raised concerns about electricity consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and noise generated by hyperscale facilities. Meta said it is working closely with local stakeholders and energy providers to responsibly manage the project’s energy requirements.
Global AI Infrastructure Race Intensifies
Meta’s latest investment highlights the rapidly accelerating global race to build AI-ready infrastructure as demand for computing power continues to surge.
Technology giants are investing billions of dollars in hyperscale data centres to support generative AI, machine learning, and cloud computing services. As enterprises increasingly adopt AI-driven applications, access to scalable and energy-efficient infrastructure has become a strategic priority.
The Alberta project reinforces Meta’s long-term commitment to expanding its AI ecosystem while strengthening its global digital infrastructure footprint.
Ruchi Kumar is the associate editor at Entrepreneur News Network and TVW News India, where she leads editorial strategy, brand storytelling, and startup ecosystem coverage. With a strong focus on innovation, business, and marketing insights, he curates impactful narratives that spotlight India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape. She has written extensively on fintech, AI and emerging startups.