Overview
Alberta’s 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Centres Strategy: Powering the Future of Artificial Intelligence' sets the path to securing the province's position as the most attractive place to build artificial intelligence (AI) data centres in North America.
The strategy outlines what Alberta will do to attract new investment in AI data centers while leveraging this burgeoning sector to support the growth of the province’s technology sector, particularly in AI. The strategy considers the need to manage the growing demand for AI technology while preparing to meet future energy needs, and remaining focused on Alberta’s priority to keep utilities affordable and reliable.
The 3 pillars of Alberta’s AI data centre strategy – Power capacity, Sustainable cooling, and Economic growth – are the foundation for achieving the vision to make Alberta the North American leader in AI-driven data centre operations.
Vision
To establish Alberta as a global leader in the field of AI-driven data centre operations by harnessing the province’s natural advantages, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The Alberta Advantage
Alberta is poised to become a global leader in AI data center operations due to its natural resources, competitive tax rates, and business-friendly regulatory environment. The province offers advantages such as power generating capabilities, abundant natural resources, a cold climate, low corporate taxes, and reduced red tape.
Alberta’s strategic pillars for attracting AI data centers include scalable power generation, efficient cooling technologies, and economic growth.
Pillar 1: Power capacity
Alberta will harness its abundant natural resources and innovative energy infrastructure to support the development of high-capacity solutions for AI data centres, while being focused on keeping utilities reliable and affordable for Albertans.
-
Objectives- Prioritize both off-grid and grid-connected power solutions that avoid compromising the affordability and reliability of electricity.
- Utilize Alberta’s vast natural gas reserves and integrate renewable energy sources and carbon capture technology, where feasible.
- Support a streamlined and predictable regulatory pathway to accelerate investment and reduce uncertainty.
Pillar 2: Sustainable cooling
Leveraging Alberta’s natural advantages and fostering innovation in cooling systems will ensure efficient, sustainable, and environmentally responsible operations.
-
Objectives- Leverage Alberta’s natural advantages likes its cold climate and water resources.
- Collaborate with local companies pioneering next-generation cooling technologies.
- Engage with industry to develop best-in-class cooling strategies that consider Alberta's water capacity and resources.
Pillar 3: Economic growth
-
Objectives- Maintain Alberta’s competitive advantage of having the lowest tax regime in Canada.
- Ensure data centres contribute to the province’s prosperity through jobs and new revenues to governments.
- Collaborate with industry stakeholders to maintain competitiveness while safeguarding affordability for Albertans and existing industries.
The Path Forward
To achieve our vision, Alberta will take decisive actions to enhance clarity, foster partnerships, and accelerate progress. Our commitment includes the following key initiatives.
Regulatory modernization
Alberta’s government will conduct a comprehensive review of all regulatory timelines associated with data centre development to reduce red tape and shorten timelines for investment decisions and construction readiness.
AI Data Centre Concierge Program
A purpose-built concierge program will be established to provide a direct gateway for investors and operators entering Alberta’s market.
Economic reconciliation and Indigenous partnerships
Alberta’s government will prioritize economic reconciliation by promoting co-ownership opportunities and partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Municipal collaboration
Alberta’s government will work closely with local governments to attract investment and accelerate data centre project implementation.
Expanding AI and machine learning capacity
Alberta’s government will leverage new compute capacities to support key industries and post-secondary institutions to drive research, innovation, and economic growth.
Programming and funding innovation
Alberta’s government will launch robust programs and funding opportunities to support Alberta-based innovation in the growing AI-driven economy.