The artificial intelligence economy is expected to contribute up to US$16 trillion to the global economy in the 2030s.
Alberta’s data centre strategy has already attracted nearly $200 billion in potential private investment.
As global demand for computing around AI technologies continues to grow, the Province believes that its “competitive tax environment, abundant natural gas, and skilled workforce” position Alberta as a “premier destination in North America for private data centre investment.”
But there has been controversy around data centres lately, with uninformed and misinformed residents opposing them.
“Albertans deserve real answers on what these new infrastructure investments mean for them,” says Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish.
By establishing clear rules, environmental requirements, and grid-protection policies ahead of development, Alberta is ensuring that private investments in AI data centres “deliver substantial benefits for Albertans and protect the things that matter: power bills, water, land, the environment and communities.”
The Province’s approach to AI data centres rests on four commitments, according to Glubish: Albertans will not pay for these projects, the grid comes first, water use is controlled, and Albertans share in the financial upside through municipal tax revenues, royalties, and a data centre computing equipment levy.
To inform residents about AI data centres, Alberta launched a new website—which explains what data centres are, where and why they are being built, the opportunities they create, how Alberta’s approach differs from others, and the safeguards that protect Alberta’s electricity system, water resources, and taxpayers.
“This website puts the facts about power, water, and community impact in one place, so people can see for themselves how Alberta is responsibly developing AI data centres on our own terms,” says Glubish.
Alberta is also hosting a series of town halls to empower residents to provide input and participate in municipal discussions.
| Event | Host | Date | Time | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ponoka Town Hall | Minister Nate Glubish | Aug. 19 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. | In-person |
| Sturgeon County Town Hall | Minister Nate Glubish | Aug. 20 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. | In-person |
| Virtual Town Hall | Premier Danielle Smith | Aug. 27 | 6 – 7:00 p.m. | Virtual |
| Grande Prairie Town Hall | Minister Nate Glubish | Sept. 11 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. | In-person |
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