$10 Billion AI Data Centre Planned for Olds, Alberta

A transformative initiative is underway in Central Alberta, as Synapse Data Center Inc. has proposed a groundbreaking one-gigawatt data centre development in Olds, promising a substantial investment of $10 billion. The announcement, made on January 27, 2024, highlights the potential for significant economic and technological advancements at local, regional, and national levels, according to a media release from the Town of Olds and Invest Olds.

This ambitious project is expected to create 2,000 construction jobs during its estimated two-year construction period and more than 1,000 long-term high-skilled technology jobs once operational. The proposed facility would dwarf existing data centres in Canada, being approximately ten times larger than the current largest facilities.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure Benefits

Olds was selected for this project due to its advantageous infrastructure, including direct access to industrial natural gas and robust fibre connectivity. Jason van Gaal, CEO of Synapse Data Center Inc., emphasized the town’s proactive vision and the support from Invest Olds. “This collaboration allowed us to advance at the speed required by global technology timelines,” van Gaal stated.

The strategic positioning of Olds, situated between Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer, offers unparalleled access to a skilled workforce and reliable supply chains. Van Gaal added, “By creating over 1,000 long-term, high-skilled technology jobs and contributing significantly to the local tax base, we are ensuring that the benefits of the global AI boom are felt directly here in Olds.”

The proposed facility will operate on a closed-cycle natural gas system aimed at achieving low emissions. This self-sufficient power generation system will not be connected to the provincial electrical grid, thereby minimizing strain on public infrastructure while enhancing operational reliability. Additionally, the water system is designed to be closed-loop, requiring only a one-time fill with less than one percent of the town’s daily water consumption.

Community Support and Regulatory Oversight

The Town of Olds and Invest Olds are committed to pursuing all necessary regulatory and environmental approvals through relevant authorities, including the Alberta Utilities Commission and the Alberta Energy Regulator. Mayor Dan Daley expressed pride in Olds being considered for such a significant investment in digital infrastructure. “This is a major milestone for our community and will offer many wonderful benefits – from jobs to taxes,” he noted.

Sandra Blyth, economic development manager at Invest Olds, highlighted the town’s growing reputation for effectively transitioning opportunities into action. “We’re proud to support proactive, professional investment attraction that helps major projects move from opportunity to action,” Blyth said, underscoring the importance of early coordination in the investment process.

As the project progresses, additional details regarding timelines and regulatory milestones will be released, keeping the community informed and engaged in this significant venture. This development marks a pivotal moment for Olds, positioning it as a central player in Canada’s burgeoning AI landscape.