Meta begins construction on its inaugural data center in Canada
Meta has started construction on a new data center in Sturgeon County, Alberta, marking its first facility in Canada and the 33rd in its global network. This center, designed to handle AI workloads, is intended to support the technologies that allow billions to connect, create communities, expand businesses, and enjoy wearable technology.
Investment in Sturgeon County
Once completed, the Sturgeon County data center will represent an investment exceeding CAD $13 billion. At the height of construction, the project is expected to employ around 3,000 construction workers. Additionally, more than 300 operational jobs will be created to support the data center’s functions.
Meta is also allocating roughly CAD $60 million towards local infrastructure enhancements, such as roads and water systems, to benefit the community. Furthermore, the company will introduce its annual Data Center Community Action Grants in the area, providing direct support to local nonprofits.
Supporting the Electrical Grid
Meta covers the full energy costs of its data centers to ensure consumers are unaffected, while also investing in the necessary infrastructure upgrades. By collaborating with Greenlight Limited Partnership, Altalink, Capitol Power, and the Alberta Electric System Operator, Meta has proactively planned for its energy needs well ahead of this data center’s operational start.
In Alberta, Meta is fully funding new generation and grid infrastructure enhancements to support its data center, improving grid reliability for all consumers. As with all its facilities, the data center’s energy consumption will be matched with 100% clean and renewable energy sources.
Focusing on Water Stewardship
Meta is committed to responsible water management in the communities hosting its data centers, with the goal of becoming water positive by 2030—restoring more water than it consumes globally. The data centers are designed to minimize water usage and operate efficiently.
At the Sturgeon data center, a closed-loop, liquid-cooled system with dry cooling will be utilized, ensuring no water is used for cooling operations. Water usage will be limited to domestic needs, fire safety, and equipment maintenance. Meta also assumes the full costs of necessary water and wastewater services, ensuring no financial impact on consumers. Annual disclosures of water withdrawal and energy usage are available at sustainability.atmeta.com.
Meta is enthusiastic about establishing its newest data center in Sturgeon County and anticipates a positive contribution to the local community.
